Meeting Hedy was a mix of smoothness and intensity, just like the way he rides his BMX. Born and raised in São Miguel, he's a proud azorian, representing the island vibes everywhere he goes, always with a contagious smile. Confident and with an incredible self awareness, Hedy has his body and mind aligned on what he needs to do. Repetition, pushing harder, riding everyday and getting out of his comfort zone are part of Hedy's daily routine. The world is calling and Hedy will go, but it all started in Azores - on the green island in the middle of the Atlantic...
Who are you?
I'm Hedy, I'm 23 years old and I'm from São Miguel. I'm a super motivated person. A persistent dreamer, who enjoys every moment to live the feeling of BMX and who refuses to live without being on two wheels.
How’s life on the Island?
Island life is calm and comforting. Everyone knows each other, what creates a familiar and pleasant environment, but nature, which surrounds the island, is the best. As for BMX, the island has been better. We already had more bikers who practiced daily, but now we only have people who enjoy BMX to “take a walk”, others let it create dust and do not join the practice of the sport, which makes the situation a bit sad, as I am, for the moment, the only one pedaling. However, the island has several good street spots.
Favorite place on the island? Why?
Relva’s skate park, because I can finish my daily training and sit on the ramps watching de planes landing and taking off, wondering where the BMX can take me.
Favorite object? Why?
My BMX, of course. Without it I would be an anguished person, because BMX is my daily satisfaction, it is what I am, it is what I feel.
Hobbies?
Skateboard, earphones with hits from the 80s, friends, enjoy quality time with my girlfriend, you know, just chillin.
What about BMX. What role does it have on your life?
There’s no turning back, even if I do not live on this, I will live for this. BMX helps me a lot in my personal life, but it also helps me to break fears and psychological barriers. I never thought I would grow up so much with a bicycle. It certainly gave me a purpose, a goal, and so I live in search of happiness on wheels. BMX for me is more than a commitment, it is the search for myself.
One song / one band
Lee Fields & The Expressions - I Still Got It.
A unique moment in your life?
My first trip with my friends to Lisbon. It was an amazing weekend.
What’s been keeping busy?
My job at Espaço Azul surf shop. After that, I dedicate the rest of the day to BMX. Besides that, recordings for some projects with the Icon Bike Store.
If you could pick two people (alive or dead) one to join you on a BMX ride, other to have dinner or conversation, who would they be? Why?
To take a ride, I would choose Bruno Hoffmann, as he is one of the most respected athletes in the world of BMX and is my favorite one. He is a great inspiration, which ends up influencing my progress. For dinner, I would certainly choose Nuno Milhinhos. Here the reasons would be many, but mainly because I know that he likes to eat well and, also, because he was the first to backflip a BMX in Portugal, in 1993. Today, he, together with his girlfriend, Sandra Oliveira, gave me the opportunity to be in the Icon Bike Store team and help me with BMX so that it is in the best conditions. In my eyes, they could be one of my lights at the end of the tunnel. I cannot thank them enough for what they’ve done for me, nor for the friendship that has been created.
What haven’t we asked you?
How do you see yourself in five years? Clearly pedaling and producing more BMX projects. Participating in championships, Jam’s and BMX trips with friends of the team.
What’s your purpose or ambition?
Competing with professional athletes and shaking hands with those who inspire me the most.
What would made you feel completely satisfied?
Waking up and simply riding BMX and having a professional career.
Being a dreamer isn’t being deluded!
Follow the BMX adventures of Hedy @hedyguerra66