10 questions with Paris Olympian and BMX rider Marcus Christopher of Lake Township

LAKE TWP. − Stark County native Marcus Christopher will be representing the United States at the Paris Olympics in the gravity-defying sport of BMX freestyle.

Christopher has competed and trained for this moment since he was a young boy. A massive ramp and practice area behind his Hartville area home are where he's spent countless hours perfecting tricks and stunts.

Action sport athlete Lake High School grad Marcus Christopher makes Olympics in BMX freestyle

The 21-year-old Lake High School graduate recently won a gold medal in BMX park riding at the X Games in California. But now he's pursuing another dream at the games in Paris.

Christopher, whose family includes a line of impressive football players and athletes, recently took a break before departing to Europe to chat.

After learning about his road to the Olympics, we quizzed the athlete about a variety of topics.

And while his BMX exploits are daring and breathtaking, his demeanor is far more laid-back and chill. Speaking in a relaxed and unpretentious tone, Christopher was a good sport and faced a slew of rapid-fire questions.

1. How many BMX bikes have you gone through?

"I'd say around 10 maybe. I've broken a few in the past."

2. What's your signature BMX move?

"I'd say doing a lot of downside and tailwhips, and then just a specific trick is a flare double-downside tailwhip. Nobody else is really doing it, especially in competitions."

3. How would you describe your BMX riding style?

"I'd say I pedal pretty hard at stuff and just pretty aggressive riding. Just fast and aggressive and big tricks."

4. What's your favorite music?

"I like country a lot but I'll listen to anything really − a little bit of rock, a little bit of rap. I like a lot of like older country. I don't like the new pop country stuff, and just like Metallica and Slipknot and Slayer."

5. What are your rituals or snacks on competition day?

"The night before I like to eat like some sort of carb meal because I think that's what we're supposed to do. On competition day, I tend to eat a little less than usual. Nothing too specific or anything. Just make sure I'm really hydrated. I drink a lot of electrolytes."

6. What's your energy drink of choice?

"I choose Rockstar energy," he said, smiling and gesturing towards a sticker he wears on his helmet, one of his sponsors. "I like the Rockstar Punched."

7. How do you relax after a competition?

"Nothing specific," he said with another grin. "Maybe go out and get a big cheeseburger or a steak."

8. What athletes do you look up to?

"I'd say Travis Pastrana , just always watching 'Nitro Circus' growing up and seeing all the crazy stuff he does, whether it be on a dirt bike or a mountain bike or just anything. He can do it all and he's fearless, and I've always looked up to him."

9. Who is the coolest celebrity you've met?

"I wouldn't say I've met too many celebrities and like famous people you've seen on TV. I've met all the guys in BMX that I've looked up to growing up and watched on TV, and now I'm competing with them and friends with them, so it's pretty cool."

10. What hobbies do you enjoy?

"I do a lot of fishing and hunting and ride my quad (all-terrain vehicle) and pit bike (small motorcycle) − just a lot of outdoors stuff."

Bonus question: Do you think the Cleveland Browns will win the Super Bowl in your lifetime?

Pausing, Christopher, a fan of the Browns and Cleveland Cavaliers, smiled before answering.

"Probably not."

Reach Ed at ebalint@gannett.com . On X (formerly Twitter) @ebalintREP and Instagram at ed_balint .

This article originally appeared on The Repository: 10 questions with Paris Olympian and BMX rider Marcus Christopher of Lake Township