Hackney BMX Siblings Thomas, Katie, Phoebe Excel 2026

Key Points

• A talented trio of siblings from Hackney—Thomas Millar (17), Katie Millar (14), and Phoebe Millar (10)—are making significant strides in the BMX racing scene.
• Thomas Millar will compete in the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane.
• Katie Millar and Phoebe Millar enter the season as reigning national champions in their respective age groups.
• Thomas Millar expressed enthusiasm for the sport, stating: “I love the community, it’s a great community sport. I love the adrenalin and the discipline of training to improve.”
• The family recently received a bursary from leisure provider Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to support their development, funding gym sessions and training.
• The siblings train most Tuesdays at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London, the venue used for BMX events at the London 2012 Olympics.
• BMX racing became an Olympic sport in 2008 and has seen a huge surge in popularity since then.
• Team GB secured its first BMX medals at Tokyo 2020 (held in 2021), with Kai White from Peckham winning silver and Beth Shriever from Essex taking gold.
• Julian Allen, a coach at the track, commented: “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.”

Hackney (East London Times) February 16, 2026 – Three talented siblings from Hackney are dominating the BMX racing scene, with Thomas Millar, 17, set to compete at the World Championships in Brisbane this year, while sisters Katie Millar, 14, and Phoebe Millar, 10, defend their titles as reigning national champions in their age groups. The family, hailing from a modest background in east London, recently secured a bursary from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to fund essential gym sessions and training. Their story highlights the inclusive spirit of BMX, a sport that has evolved from niche tracks to Olympic glory since its debut in 2008.

This breakthrough comes as the siblings train rigorously at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, the very site of the London 2012 Olympic BMX events. Their progress underscores a growing pipeline of talent from everyday communities, echoing recent Team GB successes.

Who Are the Hackney BMX Siblings Making Waves?

Thomas Millar, the eldest at 17, leads the trio with his selection for the prestigious World Championships in Brisbane. As reported by BBC News, Thomas Millar, 17, will take part in this year’s World Championships in Brisbane. His sisters, Katie Millar, 14, and Phoebe Millar, 10, are no less accomplished, entering the season as reigning national champions in their respective age groups, according to the same BBC coverage.

The siblings’ achievements stem from dedicated training most Tuesdays at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London. This venue, as noted in the BBC report, hosted BMX events at the London 2012 Olympics, providing an inspiring backdrop. Their routine exemplifies discipline in a sport demanding both physical prowess and mental resilience.

What Did Thomas Millar Say About His BMX Passion?

Thomas Millar shared his personal motivations in a direct quote captured by BBC News:

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

This statement reflects the sport’s appeal beyond competition, emphasising camaraderie and personal growth. As a 17-year-old from Hackney, Thomas Millar’s words resonate with young athletes balancing school, training, and aspirations.

His enthusiasm aligns with BMX’s grassroots ethos, where community tracks foster talent without requiring elite resources. The BBC article positions this as central to the siblings’ journey, highlighting how such sentiments drive sustained commitment.

How Has the GLL Bursary Supported Their Development?

The Millar family recently received vital financial backing from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL), a leisure provider. According to BBC News, the family were recently awarded a bursary from leisure provider Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to support their development, helping to fund gym sessions and training. This assistance covers costs that might otherwise hinder progress, such as specialised gym work to build strength and endurance.

GLL’s involvement underscores corporate support for community sports in east London. For families like the Millars, such bursaries bridge the gap between talent and opportunity, enabling consistent training at facilities like Lee Valley.

Where Do the Siblings Train and Why Is It Significant?

The siblings primarily train at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London. As detailed in the BBC report, the siblings train most Tuesdays at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London – the venue used for BMX events at the London 2012 Olympics. This location’s Olympic pedigree adds prestige and motivation, with its tracks mirroring those used by global stars.

The site’s history amplifies the siblings’ story, transforming a local facility into a launchpad for international dreams. Training here immerses them in an environment steeped in high-performance legacy.

When Did BMX Racing Become an Olympic Sport?

BMX racing only became an Olympic sport in 2008, marking a pivotal shift. The BBC article notes: BMX racing only became an Olympic sport in 2008 and has seen a huge surge in popularity since then. This inclusion propelled the discipline from urban streets to prime-time global events, attracting diverse participants.

The surge in popularity has democratised access, with tracks like Lee Valley becoming hubs for aspiring racers. By 2026, BMX continues to grow, buoyed by its Olympic status and thrilling format.

What Were Team GB’s First BMX Olympic Medals?

Team GB claimed its first medals in BMX at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Per the BBC coverage, Team GB claimed its first medals in the discipline in Tokyo in 2021, when Peckham’s Kai White won silver and Essex’s Beth Shriever took gold. These triumphs, achieved on the world stage, inspired a new generation, including the Hackney siblings.

Beth Shriever’s gold and Kai White’s silver highlighted British excellence, with Shriever’s Essex roots and White’s Peckham origins mirroring the “normal backgrounds” narrative. Their success validated pathways from community tracks to podiums.

What Does Coach Julian Allen Say About Their Potential?

Julian Allen, a coach at Lee Valley VeloPark, praised the venue’s legacy and the siblings’ prospects. As quoted in BBC News, Julian Allen, a coach at the track, said:

“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.”

Allen’s observation ties the Millars’ story to Olympic history, emphasising untapped talent in everyday communities.

His role at the track positions him to witness daily progress, from basic skills to elite contention. Allen’s comments affirm BMX’s role in social mobility through sport.

Why Are These Siblings’ Achievements Inspirational?

The Millars embody the title “Normal backgrounds to Olympic heroes,” a phrase echoing Coach Allen’s sentiments in the BBC piece. Their Hackney origins, modest means, and GLL support illustrate accessible routes to excellence. At ages 17, 14, and 10, they represent BMX’s youth-driven future.

This narrative counters perceptions of elite-only sports, showing how community investment yields results. Their trajectory—from local tracks to world stages—inspires east London youth.

How Does BMX Racing Foster Community in East London?

Thomas Millar’s praise for the “great community sport” underscores BMX’s social fabric. Facilities like Lee Valley cultivate bonds among riders, coaches, and families. The bursary from GLL further strengthens this ecosystem, enabling sustained participation.

In Hackney and Stratford, BMX clubs promote inclusivity, drawing diverse talents. This community focus sustains motivation amid rigorous demands.

What Lies Ahead for Thomas, Katie, and Phoebe?

Thomas heads to Brisbane for the Worlds, a career milestone. Katie and Phoebe aim to retain national crowns, building towards junior internationals. Consistent training and GLL backing position them for further accolades.

Their 2026 season promises high-stakes races, potentially eyeing future Olympics. Observers like Julian Allen see Olympic potential unfolding.

Broader Impact on British BMX Talent Pipeline

The Millars contribute to a robust Team GB pipeline, post-Tokyo successes. BMX’s post-2008 growth has multiplied grassroots programmes. East London’s venues like Lee Valley remain pivotal.

This story amplifies calls for sustained funding, mirroring GLL’s model. It spotlights how local heroes fuel national pride.