Arielle Martin suffers injury, withdrawn from Olympic competition

London, U.K. (August 1, 2012) — USA Cycling announced Wednesday that Olympic BMX cyclist Arielle Martin (Spanaway, Wash.) suffered an injury during routine training at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif. Due to her injuries, Martin will be unable to make Wednesday’s scheduled trip to London and will be replaced on the U.S. Olympic BMX Cycling Team by Brooke Crain (Visalia, Calif.).

“Arielle has worked extremely hard and was on top form heading into the Olympic Games,” explained USA Cycling V.P. of Athletics Jim Miller. “Unfortunately, she suffered an injury during her final training session before leaving for the Games. She certainly would have contributed to our efforts in London and will be missed by the entire squad.”

Martin was transported to San Diego’s Mercy Hospital Tuesday afternoon where she is receiving treatment for her injuries. The 27-year-old is expected to make a full recovery. Martin was set to begin competing in her first Olympic Games on Wednesday, August 8.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of Arielle's injury while training this week in preparation for the 2012 Games,” said USA Cycling President & CEO Steve Johnson. “She is a true competitor and will be sorely missed in London. We wish her a complete and speedy recovery.”

Martin will be replaced on the U.S. Olympic BMX Cycling Team by 19-year-old Crain, who has earned two world championship medals in the junior ranks and finished ninth at last summer’s Olympic Test Event. She will join 21-year-old Alise Post (St. Cloud, Minn.) in representing the U.S. women in BMX cycling.

“Arielle is one of the most talented and determined athletes I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” stated USA Cycling BMX Programs Director Mike King. “Her leadership and character will be missed both on and off the track. We have the utmost confidence in the depth and talent of our women’s BMX program. Brooke has posted consistent international results, has been training hard and is fully prepared to step in and make an impact in London.”