Hackney’s Millar Siblings Excel in BMX: Worlds & National Glory

Key Points

• Thomas Millar, 17, Katie Millar, 14, and Phoebe Millar, 10, from Hackney, are making waves in BMX racing with top-level competitions ahead.
• Thomas will compete in the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane at amateur level, aiming for elite status soon.
• Katie is the reigning national champion in her age group and ranked seventh in the UEC European Championships 2023; she raced for Team GB in Copenhagen in 2025.
• Phoebe is also a reigning national champion in her age group; she took third and first in rounds three and four of the 2025 European Cup and raced for Team GB at the 2025 World Championships in Copenhagen.
• Thomas placed third at the 2025 British Championships, fourth overall in the National Series, and represented Team GB at the 2025 World Championships.
• All three qualified for the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane, but only Thomas will attend after saving for his ticket.
• The family received a bursary from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to fund gym sessions and training.
• They train Tuesdays at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London, site of the London 2012 Olympic BMX events.
• Parents Alex and Andy Millar credit BMX for building their children’s strength, confidence, and resilience.
• Coach Julian Allen highlights the track’s Olympic history and potential for kids from normal backgrounds to become heroes.
• BMX became an Olympic sport in 2008; Team GB’s first medals came in Tokyo 2021 with Kai White’s silver and Beth Shriever’s gold.
• Phoebe started riding at age two, visited the track at four days old; siblings teach each other.
• GLL bursary past recipients include Tom Daley and Anthony Joshua; applications open until 20 February.
• Quotes from Thomas, Katie, Phoebe, parents, and coach emphasise community, adrenaline, discipline, fun, and perseverance.

Hackney (East London Times) February 7, 2026 – Three talented siblings from Hackney are dominating the BMX racing scene, gearing up for a pivotal year of high-stakes competitions, including the World Championships in Brisbane. Thomas Millar, 17, will race at the event, while sisters Katie, 14, and Phoebe, 10, enter the season as reigning national champions in their age categories. The family recently secured a bursary from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to bolster their training.

Who Are the Hackney BMX Stars?

Thomas Millar, the eldest at 17, has already notched impressive results, placing third at the 2025 British Championships and fourth overall in the National Series. He represented Team GB at the 2025 World Championships. As reported in the original coverage, Thomas said:

“I love the community, it’s a great community sport. I love the adrenalin and the discipline of training to improve.”​

Katie Millar, 14, holds the title of reigning national champion in her age group. She ranked seventh in the UEC European Championships 2023 and competed for Team GB in Copenhagen during 2025. Katie shared her racing mindset:

“When I’m in a race, I’m completely locked in, I don’t really think about what’s going on, but also when I jump – it’s so fun.”

Phoebe Millar, the youngest at 10, is also a reigning national champion. She claimed third place in round three and first in round four of the 2025 European Cup, and raced for Team GB at the 2025 World Championships in Copenhagen. Phoebe began riding BMX around age two but first visited the track at just four days old. She said:

“I love following them around on tracks, to school, everywhere.”

Phoebe added that her brother and sister taught her:

“I can achieve anything that I put my mind to.”

All three siblings qualified for the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane, marking a family milestone. However, only Thomas will travel, having saved to cover his own ticket. He reflected:

“I’m racing the World Championships at an amateur level later this year and hoping to step that up to elite level in the coming years. It’s nerve-wracking already but it’s going to be a great opportunity.”

What Support Are They Receiving?

The Millar family were recently awarded a bursary from leisure provider Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) through its Sport Foundation programme. This funding supports gym sessions and training, crucial for their development. Previous recipients include Olympic diver Tom Daley and former world heavyweight champion boxer Anthony Joshua. The award offers financial help, free training memberships, and sport-science support. Applications for the next round remain open until 20 February.

Parents Alex and Andy Millar praised the sport’s influence. Mum Alex described the trio as “strong, confident, resilient kids”, attributing these traits to BMX. She explained:

“You know, I think that really teaches them. You know, you fall off, you get back up again. It’s what you do when you ride a bike.”

Dad Andy echoed this sentiment on the family’s supportive dynamic.

Thomas expressed immense pride in his sisters, noting how they help each other learn. This mutual support underscores the close-knit nature of the Hackney trio.

Where Do They Train?

The siblings train most Tuesdays at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London. This venue hosted the BMX events at the London 2012 Olympics. Coach Julian Allen, based at the track, pointed out:

“This footprint is exactly where the Olympic track was held. I get to see the development and the potential for kids from normal backgrounds to go and be Olympic heroes.”

Lee Valley VeloPark remains a hub for aspiring racers, linking everyday athletes to Olympic legacy.

Why Has BMX Gained Popularity?

BMX racing only became an Olympic sport in 2008, sparking a surge in interest. Team GB secured its first medals in Tokyo 2021: silver for Peckham’s Kai White and gold for Essex’s Beth Shriever. This success has inspired a new generation, including the Millars, who hail from “normal backgrounds” as Coach Allen noted.

The sport’s blend of speed, jumps, and crashes fosters discipline and resilience, as the parents highlighted. Thomas’s love for its community and adrenaline captures its broad appeal.

How Do the Siblings Support Each Other?

The Hackney siblings are highly supportive, with Thomas particularly proud of Katie and Phoebe. They assist in each other’s learning, from technique to mindset. Phoebe credits her siblings for instilling belief:

“I can achieve anything that I put my mind to.”

Katie’s “locked in” focus during races exemplifies the mental toughness they share. This family bond extends beyond the track, as Phoebe enjoys following them everywhere.

What Challenges Do They Face?

Funding remains a hurdle, evident in Thomas self-financing his Brisbane trip despite qualification. The GLL bursary alleviates some pressures, covering essentials like gym access. Yet, the path to elite levels demands saving, discipline, and perseverance – qualities the family embodies.

Thomas described the Worlds as “nerve-wracking,” reflecting the high stakes. Phoebe’s early start at four days old shows commitment from infancy.

What Is the Olympic Connection?

Lee Valley’s Olympic pedigree motivates trainees. Coach Julian Allen emphasises its role in transforming ordinary kids into potential heroes, mirroring the Millars’ trajectory. Team GB’s Tokyo breakthroughs by White and Shriever prove the pathway exists.

BMX’s Olympic status since 2008 has elevated it from niche to mainstream, drawing families like the Millars.

Who Is Coach Julian Allen?

Julian Allen, a coach at Lee Valley VeloPark, witnesses daily progress. He stated:

“I get to see the development and the potential for kids from normal backgrounds to go and be Olympic heroes.”

His insights highlight the track’s historic footprint.

What Did Parents Alex and Andy Say?

Mum Alex and Dad Andy Millar view BMX as a life lesson. Alex said:

“You know, I think that really teaches them. You know, you fall off, you get back up again. It’s what you do when you ride a bike.”

They called their children “strong, confident, resilient kids.”

What Are Their Key Achievements?

Thomas: Third at 2025 British Championships, fourth in National Series, Team GB at 2025 Worlds, Brisbane 2026.

Katie: Reigning national champion, seventh in 2023 Europeans, Team GB Copenhagen 2025.

Phoebe: Reigning national champion, third/first in 2025 European Cup rounds, Team GB 2025 Worlds.

All qualified for Brisbane 2026.

When Is the Next GLL Bursary Deadline?

Applications for GLL’s Sport Foundation bursary close on 20 February. The package includes finance, memberships, and science support, as seen with Daley and Joshua.

How Does BMX Build Character?

Quotes reveal its impact: Thomas on discipline, Katie on fun, Phoebe on achievement, parents on resilience, coach on heroism. Falling and rising, as Alex put it, forges grit.