Shaun Jarvis

Tonight, we honour a true pioneer, a lifelong ambassador of Freestyle BMX, and an absolute BMX tragic – Mr Shaun Jarvis. This bloke literally lives his best life, riding, competing, putting on Freestyle BMX demonstrations and competitions, getting rad, and spreading the gospel of Freestyle BMX to anyone who will listen. And he’s been doing it for over 40 years!

Shaun started racing in Western Australia in the early ‘80’s, but it wasn’t until the 1984 Australian BMX Titles came to Perth, that Shaun saw his future. Australia’s finest BMX freestyle exponent, Steve Cassap had teamed up with American superstar Bob Haro for a series of freestyle shows at the track. This was all that Shaun needed to jumpstart his lifelong journey into the high-octane world of Freestyle BMX.

By 1986, Shaun had founded Freestyle Now, a Perth-based stunt team that would go on to become a cornerstone of BMX culture in Western Australia. Still active today, Freestyle Now has performed over 1,500 shows and organised more than 320 competitions across Australia, supporting riders from beginner to pro level.

As a flatland specialist, Shaun has competed for decades — a testament to his enduring skill and passion. His results span from his early win at the 1988 WA Freestyle Association comp to more recent podiums in the Over 35s and Over 45s categories at the Western Australian BMX Freestyle State Championships, including a 1st place in 2020. In 2023, he finished 2nd in the Open class at the Benalla Skatepark competition, proving he’s still a force to be reckoned with.

But Shaun’s impact extends far beyond just freestyle competition. He has championed the cultural growth of freestyle BMX for 40 years. From founding one of Australia's first freestyle zines in the late '80s to creating the community TV series Behind the Bars, Shaun has tirelessly promoted the sport through media and public outreach. His coaching resume includes over 900 sessions across Australia, and his BMX for Schools Engagement Program continues to inspire and educate young riders nationwide.

In 2011, he brought the entire freestyle community together for BMX for Floods, a national fundraising effort supporting Queensland flood relief — just one example of Shaun’s ability to unite the sport for a greater cause. He’s also served as a brand distributor, event commentator, technical advisor, and coach, earning his BMX Freestyle Development Coach Certificate from AusCycling in 2023.

Shaun has advocated for better skateparks, mentored emerging talent, and contributed to BMX literature and education — including the Freestyle BMX Tricks book, which remains a staple for riders worldwide.

The impact Shaun has had on literally thousands of young riders is immeasurable. Just as Steve Cassap and Bob Haro inspired Shaun back in 1984, Shaun has paid it forward to so many Australians over the years.

Shaun Jarvis hasn’t just been part of the Australian Freestyle BMX story — he’s helped write it. His dedication, creativity, and community spirit have shaped freestyle BMX in Australia like no one else. Tonight, we proudly welcome Shaun Jarvis into the Australian BMX Hall of Fame, recognising a lifetime of service, innovation, and passion for Freestyle BMX.