Loupos and Diehm dominate 2025 AusCycling BMX Freestyle Nationals with spectacular wins

The 2025 AusCycling BMX Freestyle National Championships concluded in spectacular fashion on the Gold Coast, with Brandon Loupos and Natalya Diehm claiming elite titles in a day filled with high-stakes competition and inspirational performances. 

After a challenging recovery from a serious injury last year, Loupos made a triumphant return to the top, securing his first national title since 2022 with a massive score of 96.67 on his opening run. 

Loupos reflected on his journey, describing the struggles of regaining movement after his hospitalisation in Japan just months ago. 

“It’s been a rough six months - not going to lie. Staring at the ceiling in a hospital in Japan was not fun for a month,” Loupos said. 

“Learning how to twist my body again and move around was a challenge, and now I’m standing on top of the podium at the National Championships.” 

Pushing him to his best was Chris James, who delivered an outstanding 94.33-point first run, stunning the crowd and claiming silver.  

Loupos acknowledged James' impressive performance, calling him “the people’s champ” for his thrilling display.  

Keegan Pryor rounded out the podium with a bronze-medal finish with a score of 89.33. 

In the elite women, Diehm further cemented her dominance, successfully defending her title and claiming a fifth national championship.  

After a setback with a flat tyre on her first attempt, she delivered a stunning 93.33-point second run to secure gold. 

“I was really feeling the pressure to deliver on my second run, and I’m really proud of how I handled myself to claim my fifth title,” Diehm said. 

The Paris Olympic bronze medallist also checked off key goals in her performance, landing a tail whip over the big spine and a flip transfer from the back spine to the box lander - the latter being a first for her in competition. 

Joining Diehm on the podium was Sarah Nicki, who earned silver with 88.67, while Mylee Toohey secured bronze in her first elite event. 

The competition also saw an exciting display of talent in the amateur categories, with up-and-coming riders showcasing impressive tricks and proving that the future of Australian BMX Freestyle is bright. 

Elite Men podium 

🥇 Brandon Loupos 96.67 
🥈 Chris James 94.33 
🥉 Keegan Pryor 89.33  

Elite Women podium 

🥇 Natalya Diehm 93.33 
🥈 Sarah Nicki 88.67 
🥉 Mylee Toohey 83.33 

AM 15+ Men podium 

🥇 Koby Carroll
🥈 Mitchell Brown
🥉 Noah Green  

AM 15+ Women podium 

🥇 Alirah Norris
🥈 Evie Simpson
🥉 Lillian Cotter

U15 Men podium 

🥇 Koby Clayton 
🥈 Ryder Wood
🥉 Felix Stokes

U15 Women podium 

🥇 Josephine Armstrong
🥈 Trinity Markwell

U13 Men podium 

🥇 Emilio Martin 
🥈 Hudson Lovett 
🥉 Edwin Short

U11 Men podium 

🥇 Slater Lyttle
🥈 Rafael Manning
🥉 Lennox Lenton

Images: Past Tense Photography