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(07.20.01)
"The Knowledge" Qualifies for X-Games and Gravity Games

16 July 2001 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Shaun "The Knowledge" Eglington, of Bar Hill, Cambridge, has fulfilled the dream he has had since first riding BMX in 1997 and qualified for the X-Games in his first full rookie year as a professional BMX Half-Pipe (Vert) bicycle stunt rider. At only 19 years of age, Shaun is one of the youngest, and also the only privateer, to have qualified for the X-Games, the Grand Prix of BMX Freestyle competitions.

The X-Games, being held this year in Philadelphia, is the signature action sports event for ESPN, one of the largest and most popular sports sites on the web. In order to qualify for this elite event, Shaun had to compete in the ESPN B3 Series, held in 4 venues throughout the States, and had to place well in the series.

Competition was fierce as the newcomer performed tricks against the best riders in the world, including Jamie Bestwick, last year's X-Games winner and Simon Tabron, the British Champion and ranked 2nd in the world.

Shaun further qualified for the Gravity Games, being held in Providence, Rhode Island. The Gravity Games are hosted by the USA's Action Sports Group and are televised by NBC Sports and feature 250 world-class athletes, competing in 16 different events, including BMX Vert. Both events will receive extensive television, media and Internet coverage.

He has also received an invitation to compete in the European X-Games, held in Barcelona and the Sprite Urban Games, held in London's Clapham Common.

Shaun's achievements are even more significant, as in order to attend competitions; he has had to raise his own finance by working and with limited support from family and friends, leaving him little time to practice. Commenting on his success, Simon Tabron said, "Shaun has something all of us wish we had - natural talent."

Shaun is one of the UK's top and most versatile BMX riders and has already won a number of major International events. He was crowned World Champion in Expert Vert in 1999, but was unable to compete in 2000 due to a lack of finances.

Although he currently receives product sponsorship from DK Bicycles and snafu (through Hot Wheels, the UK's largest distributor of BMX products) and from adidas, he is still looking for a commercial sponsor.

Shaun says: "I have superb product sponsors and adidas has just agreed to pay for my flight to the X-Games, but I am hoping my debut in the X-Games and the Gravity Games will result in a full financial sponsorship. This isn't just a passing fancy; I have worked hard and now ride as a professional. This is my career, even though it's an unpaid one at the moment!"

Shaun's father, Mike Eglington remarked: "Shaun has got the grit, determination and skill to become the world's greatest Vert rider. However, as with many British athletes, he desperately needs commercial sponsorship. We are all extremely proud of what he has been able to achieve without that".

Copyright 2001. All rights reserved.