Maris Strombergs

Sport: Cycling

Nation: Latvia

DOB: March 10, 1987

Hometown: Valmiera

Career Highlights: Strombergs became the first Olympic gold medalist in BMX cycling history when the sport made its debut at the Beijing Games four years ago. The Latvian won the inaugural race in 36 seconds, beating the American pair of Mike Day and Donny Robinson. Since then, Strombergs has enjoyed success as a member of the National Bicycle League. In 2010, he was the grand national champion of the Elite Men's division of the NBL, and, that same year, won a UCI world championship. He earned silver at the worlds one year later, after being named ABA pro of the year in 2009 and '10. Most recently, he earned his first World Cup victory in two seasons on May 14. Nicknamed “The Machine,” Strombergs began racing BMX bikes at age 6 when his father introduced him to the sport. Just three years later, he won his first world championship. Now living and training in California, he came in second in voting for Latvia’s “Sexiest Man Alive” in 2011.

Olympic History: 2008