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Bob HaroBMX rider
Country:
 USA |
Content:
- Biography of Bob Haro
- Early Life and Career
- The Birth of Freestyle BMX
- The Tour and the Rise of Freestyle
- Entrepreneurship and Legacy
Biography of Bob Haro
Bob Haro, born on June 29, 1958, in Pasadena, California, is an American extreme sports athlete and the founder of the freestyle BMX discipline, which has become one of the most popular disciplines in BMX competitions today.
Early Life and Career
Bob Haro developed an interest in motorcycle racing during his high school years. His father, sympathetic to his passion, bought him his first motorcycle, a 'Honda 100,' which Bob modified and strengthened for racing. By 1975, he had already won over 50 trophies in various competitions.
In 1976, Bob tried riding his brother's BMX bike and discovered that many of the tricks he had developed for motorcycle freestyle were also applicable to BMX, which was lighter and easier to maneuver. After his parents' divorce and a move to Stockton, California, Bob purchased his first BMX bike and began training. He quickly attracted a group of like-minded individuals who shared his vision for developing a new style and learning tricks.
The Birth of Freestyle BMX
Around the same time, Bob signed his first contract with 'Molina's Bike Shop' and started competing in races, showcasing new tricks during BMX races. Together with his friend Robert Lewis Osborn, Bob founded the first professional BMX freestyle team, which soon began participating in competitions.
Although the popularity of the new tricks grew, freestyle was still considered a secondary style and was often dismissed as a "child's play" by other cyclists. It was during this time that Bob and his friends came up with a clever plan that might be credited for the modern popularity of freestyle.
The Tour and the Rise of Freestyle
In the early 1980s, Bob Haro and Bob Morales, a member of the team and close friend of Haro, embarked on a tour across America and Canada. They stopped in major cities, giving small performances and masterclasses. Instantly, they became heroes in the eyes of teenagers, and more and more people started training to compete in freestyle competitions.
In 1981, Bob introduced his own BMX frame model, produced by 'Torker.' However, his career as an athlete came to an end as knee problems plagued him for several years. In 1985, he made the decision to retire from competitions permanently.
Entrepreneurship and Legacy
In 1987, Bob was inducted into the American Bicycle Association Hall of Fame. In 1993, he founded his own company, 'Haro Design, Inc.,' manufacturing bicycles and components for freestyle. He also became one of the pioneers of another style called Flatland BMX, which involves performing tricks on a flat surface.
Throughout the 2000s, Bob appeared in various competitions and played a role in promoting the freestyle discipline. His company became one of the leading manufacturers of freestyle bikes in the world. In 2009, he was invited to participate in the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games as recognition for his achievements.
