Seven-year-old Kamden Norris closes his eyes and takes deep breaths. He’s waiting for the tall metal gate to drop, setting him free. His mind is focused.
The young Blaine resident and nationally ranked athlete is getting ready for another BMX race, this time in Vancouver, B.C.
Racing is second nature to Kamden, who discovered his love of BMX racing when he was just four years old. As a hyperactive preschooler, his parents recognized Kamden’s need for more physical activity. It just so happened that Kamden not only fell in love with, but excelled at, the activity he chose.
“I feel like I can just ride anywhere,” Kamden said.
Today, Norris ranks second in the U.S. and Canada by BMX Canada and qualified for the 2026 UCI BMX Racing World Championships in Australia.
Kamden’s parents, Derek and Judy Norris, first saw biking as a way for Kamden to release energy – and as a break for them. It wasn’t until Kamden saw another kid riding at a pump track that his desire to compete in races emerged. Kamden’s parents quickly recognized his devotion to the sport and rearranged their lives for training and competitions.
“This is his outlet,” Derek said. “This is his happy place.”
Kamden earned the nickname ‘Style Points’ from his dad for his love of showing off with tricks and spins on large jumps.
In addition to a specialized skill, the Norrises have found that racing also teaches Kamden life lessons, from setting goals to sportsmanship.
The Norrises said anyone who rides a bike can participate in BMX races, which are inclusive and celebrate competitors for just trying. Every child receives a trophy during their first race, and the tracks are lined with supporters cheering on the young racers.
After finding that community while racing across the U.S. and Canada, the Norris family is now advocating for a pump track in Blaine that could bring the same camaraderie.
City of Blaine officials have been discussing adding a pump track to Blaine Marine Park since late last year, when the city unveiled two plans to pack the waterfront park with a pump track and other recreational amenities. The plan quickly gained support from the Norrises, though it’s still far from fruition as city representatives mull what amenities – if any – should be added to the park and staff looks for funding during an especially tight time.
The nearest pump track for the Norrises is at the Bellingham waterfront or in Surrey. While they have been able to travel, they worry others may lose the opportunity without a local track.
“Blaine needs to have something that brings all the people from Canada, on the Surrey side,” Judy said. “This is an attraction that will keep them coming.”
Brad Taylor, track director of Vancouver-based Northshore BMX, said pump tracks are cost-effective because there’s minimal maintenance once they’re installed.
“Parenting is difficult as it is. If you’re able to find a single place where your kids are not fighting, you get the break that you need,” Judy said. “When they come back to you, you’re back to being a good parent. This is a break for everyone.”
Derek and Judy said they enjoy connecting others with BMX and racing and encouraged anyone interested to follow the Instagram page they run for Kamden, @kamdenc_bmx.
As the metal gate drops, Kamden zips down the first hill. He climbs over the next hill and picks up speed as he rounds a corner. He pulls ahead of the other racers, quickly passing three small bumps. He’s in the home stretch now. He speeds up, pushing ahead, and just like that, he’s won another race.
“I’m fearless,” Kamden said.
