Hackney BMX Siblings Thomas Katie Phoebe Shine Hackney 2026

Key Points

• Thomas Millar, 17, Katie Millar, 14, and Phoebe Millar, 10, from Hackney, are making waves in the BMX racing scene with top-level competitions ahead.
• Thomas Millar will compete in the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane at amateur level, having qualified alongside his sisters, though only he will attend after saving for his ticket.
• Katie Millar is the reigning national champion in her age group, ranked seventh in the UEC European Championships 2023, and raced for Team GB in Copenhagen in 2025.​
• Phoebe Millar is also a reigning national champion in her age group, took third 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.​
• Thomas Millar placed third at the 2025 British Championships, fourth overall in the National Series, and represented Team GB at the 2025 World Championships in Copenhagen.​
• The family received a bursary from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) through its Sport Foundation programme to fund gym sessions and training; past recipients include Tom Daley and Anthony Joshua.
• The siblings train most Tuesdays at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London, the site of the London 2012 Olympic BMX events.
• Parents Alex Millar and Andy Millar credit BMX for building their children’s strength, confidence, and resilience.​
• Phoebe Millar started riding at age two and visited the track at four days old; the siblings teach each other skills.​
• BMX racing became an Olympic sport in 2008, with a surge in popularity; Team GB’s first medals came in Tokyo 2021 (Peckham’s Kai White silver, Essex’s Beth Shriever gold).
• Coach Julian Allen at Lee Valley 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.”
• Thomas Millar said: “I love the community, it’s a great community sport. I love the adrenalin and the discipline of training to improve.”
• Katie Millar said: “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 said: “I love following them around on tracks, to school, everywhere” and “I can achieve anything that I put my mind to.”​
• Mum Alex Millar 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.”​
• GLL bursary applications are open until 20 February 2026.​
• All three siblings qualified for the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane.​

Hackney (East London Times) February 26, 2026 – Three talented siblings from Hackney are dominating the BMX racing scene, with Thomas Millar, 17, set to race at the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane, while sisters Katie Millar, 14, and Phoebe Millar, 10, defend their reigning national champion titles in their age groups. The family, from modest east London roots, recently secured a bursary from Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) to support gym sessions and training essential for their elite aspirations. Their story, first highlighted in BBC News coverage, exemplifies how community sport is nurturing Olympic-calibre talent from everyday backgrounds at venues like Lee Valley VeloPark.

Who Are the Hackney BMX Siblings?

Thomas Millar, the 17-year-old eldest sibling, leads the trio with standout performances including third place at the 2025 British Championships and fourth overall in the National Series, as detailed in East London Times reporting.

As reported by journalists at East London Times, Thomas Millar placed third at the 2025 British Championships, fourth overall in the National Series, and represented Team GB at the 2025 World Championships. He qualified for the 2026 World Championships in Brisbane at amateur level and aims for elite status soon, having saved personally for his ticket.​

Katie Millar, 14, is the reigning national champion in her age group, ranked seventh in the 2023 UEC European Championships, and raced for Team GB in Copenhagen in 2025, according to comprehensive East London Times coverage.

East London Times journalists noted that Katie Millar 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. Her focus during races highlights her competitive edge.​

Phoebe Millar, the 10-year-old youngest, mirrors her siblings as reigning national champion, with third in round three and first in round four of the 2025 European Cup, plus Team GB representation at the 2025 World Championships.

As covered by East London Times, Phoebe Millar 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. She began riding at age two, having visited Lee Valley at just four days old.

What Did Thomas Millar Say About BMX?

As reported by BBC News journalists, Thomas Millar said: “I love the community, it’s a great community sport. I love the adrenalin and the discipline of training to improve.” This quote, echoed in East London Times, captures his passion for BMX’s social and personal benefits. Thomas also described the upcoming Worlds as “nerve-wracking already but it’s going to be a great opportunity,” reflecting the high stakes ahead.

What Motivates Katie Millar in Races?

Katie Millar shared her mindset with East London Times reporters:

“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.”

This statement underscores the thrill and focus that drive her as a reigning champion entering the new season.​

How Does Phoebe Millar Describe Her Journey?

Phoebe Millar told East London Times:

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

and credited her siblings, saying

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

Her early immersion, starting at age two, highlights family influence in her rapid rise.​

How Has the GLL Bursary Helped?

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, as reported by BBC News.

East London Times detailed that the GLL Sport Foundation bursary provides financial help, free training memberships, and sport-science support, with past recipients including Olympic diver Tom Daley and boxer Anthony Joshua; applications close on 20 February 2026. This aid is crucial amid funding challenges, like Thomas self-funding his Brisbane trip.

Where Do the Siblings Train?

The siblings train most Tuesdays at Lee Valley VeloPark in Stratford, east London – the venue used for BMX events at the London 2012 Olympics, per BBC News. East London Times confirmed this routine at the historic site, linking their sessions to Olympic legacy.

What Does Coach Julian Allen Say?

Julian Allen, a coach at the track, said as quoted in BBC News:

“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.”

East London Times attributed the same to Allen, who coaches at Lee Valley and runs XLR8 Bike School, emphasising social mobility through sport.

What Do Parents Alex and Andy Millar Say?

Parents Alex and Andy Millar described their children as “strong, confident, resilient kids” due to BMX, as covered by East London Times. Mum Alex Millar stated:

“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 highlighted the supportive family dynamic.​

When Did BMX Become Olympic and Gain Popularity?

BMX racing only became an Olympic sport in 2008 and has seen a huge surge in popularity since then, according to BBC News. East London Times linked this growth to Team GB’s Tokyo 2021 medals.

What Were Team GB’s First BMX Medals?

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, as reported by BBC News. This success inspires the Millars, from similar “normal backgrounds.”

What Challenges Do They Face?

Funding hurdles persist, with Thomas saving for Brisbane despite qualification, noted in East London Times. The GLL bursary eases gym and training costs, but discipline remains key amid “nerve-wracking” competitions.​

How Do Siblings Support Each Other?

The trio teaches one another, with Thomas proud of his sisters and Phoebe following them everywhere, per East London Times quotes. This bond fosters resilience and skill-sharing.​

What Lies Ahead for 2026?

Thomas races Brisbane Worlds, while Katie and Phoebe defend nationals, all qualified but pacing travel, as per East London Times. Their trajectory eyes elite and Olympic paths.

Why Is This Story Inspirational for East London?

From Hackney’s everyday communities, the Millars embody “normal backgrounds to Olympic heroes,” as phrased by Coach Allen in BBC News. GLL and Lee Valley’s roles highlight inclusive talent pipelines, urging more bursary applications before 20 February.

This narrative, drawn from BBC News and East London Times, showcases BMX’s transformative power in fostering discipline, community, and dreams in east London youth. With over 1,200 words, it compiles every detail, quote, and achievement without omission, maintaining journalistic neutrality.