Queensaray Villegas: The Voice of BMX Freestyle Lifting Colombia and the Caribbean
At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Queensaray Villegas Serna soared through the skies on her BMX bike, delivering a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The 21-year-old athlete from Valle del Cauca, Colombia, not only made Olympic history in BMX Freestyle, but also emerged as a powerful ambassador for urban cycling in both Colombia and the wider Central Caribbean region.
Indeed, Queen, as she is affectionately known, became the first Colombian rider to ever qualify and compete in BMX Freestyle at the Olympic Games. Impressively, she secured a fourth-place finish with a score of 88.00—just 0.80 points shy of the podium. Her remarkable ride signaled a new chapter for Latin American athletes in extreme sports.
Born in Buga, Valle del Cauca, on June 3, 2003, Queensaray found her passion for BMX at just 13 years old. “It all started on a track near my house. One day I discovered BMX freestyle, tried it, and I liked it. Since then, I haven’t stopped riding—and to this day, I still love it,” she shared with emotion.
Inspiring the Next Generation of BMX Riders
Notably, Queen’s Olympic journey was about more than personal achievement. Her qualification represented a groundbreaking victory not just for herself, but for the entire Colombian BMX community and the Central American and Caribbean region, where BMX Freestyle continues to fight for recognition, infrastructure, and opportunity.
“It’s an honor to represent Colombia. I’m excited to carry the flag, showcase our talent, and raise awareness of BMX Freestyle. I hope this work helps us have more parks and help the sport grow as it deserves.”
Since her international breakthrough at the FISE World Championships in France and the World Urban Games in Hungary in 2019, Queensaray has continued to rack up titles and experiences. She was the Pan American champion in Lima 2021, runner-up in Santiago 2024, medalist in Asunción 2023, silver medalist at the 2022 South American Games, and gold medalist at the 2024 Bolivarian Games.
But beyond the podium, Queen represents women who break stereotypes in sports historically dominated by men. “I think women give this sport a special touch. We show that we can do it, that we are strong and fighters,” she says.
A before and after
The Olympic experience marked a turning point. “More than a dream come true, it was that spark that made me believe in myself even more. It taught me that we should never give up and that dreams can be achieved,” she says.
Being at the top of the UCI world rankings today is a platform to achieve her dreams.
“It’s something very special for me and for the entire BMX freestyle community in Colombia. It’s a way of showing that with effort, incredible things can be achieved and that this sport can reach many more people.”
The strength of two
Although only Queen qualified for Paris, her story is inseparable from that of her twin sister, Lizsurley. They both have complementary tattoos on their wrists: “Always” and “Together.” They share routines, values, and the same dream: to reach Los Angeles 2028 together.
“My sister is one of my pillars. I admire her a lot, and she’s always there motivating me. So is my coach, Alejandro, who pushes me to do more, and my family, who supports me at all times from home,” she says.
Queen defines herself as “self-confident, eager to do things well, but also a little afraid of new challenges.”
Her daily routines include physical training, a balanced diet, and time with friends and family, which are essential for her mental health. “I try to feel strong both in training and in competitions. Calls with my family always motivate me. All those little things help me recharge.”
What’s Next
Queen’s schedule is relentless. Each competition is another step toward Los Angeles, but also an opportunity to raise awareness for the region:
UCI World Cup (May 26 – Montpellier, France)
National Championships (June 12 – Armenia, Colombia)
XGames (June 23 – Utah, United States)
Pan American Youth Games (August 9 – Asunción, Paraguay)
Pan American Championships (September 13 – Lima, Peru)
Inspiring BMX
To the girls who dream of flying on a BMX track today, Queen leaves a clear message:
“Believe in yourself and in your dreams. When you focus, work, and fight for what you want, dreams come true.” “Never give up,” he said.
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