Remembering BMX legend, mentor and friend Craig ‘Butch’ Broomfield

The Australian BMX racing community has lost a legend of the sport with the recent passing of Centenary Plains BMX Club member Craig ‘Butch’ Broomfield, 78.

Butch was involved with BMX racing in Australia for more than four decades and was a well-known and much-loved rider who was a life member of BMX Queensland. 

A late-comer to BMX racing, Butch’s passion for BMX started in 1980 at age 34 when his three young sons took up the sport.

Butch first started racing sidehacks, which brought on some fierce racing, alongside riding his beloved Cruiser. In 1988-89 he hung up the sidehack and took up riding a 20” and that went on into the early 90s, before concentrating on just his beloved Cruiser. 

During his career, Butch amassed more than 10 Queensland state titles, more than 10 national titles and became a world champion in 1998 when he was 53.

One of Butch’s best mates Geoff 'Agro' O’Connor remembered Butch as a fierce competitor.

“Once our front wheel hit the gate, being friends went out the window, but we are the best of mates as long as I got second to him,” Agro laughed.

“At the 1989 Worlds he was in first and another rider pushed him off the track. He came back on and was in 7th which made him even more determined to catch up to that rider. He then managed to slot into 3rd place in the end. And the funny thing was the other rider also had 'Rad Dad' stitched on his bum just like he did,” Agro recalled.

Above anything else, Butch was known for his kind heart, being a mate to all, and his dedication to BMX as a volunteer and mentor to young riders.

“The legacy that Butch has left on the BMX community will be everlasting,” Central Highlands BMX Club’s John McDougall said.

AusCycling sends its condolences to the Broomfield family, and Butch’s mates.