BMX star Sam Willoughby becomes latest South Australian Sport Hall of Fame inductee

BMX champion Sam Willoughby has been inducted into the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame. 

From achieving world champion status, to overcoming adversity after a life-changing injury, the Olympic medallist has accomplished so much since his childhood days of racing around the Happy Valley BMX track, in Adelaide's southern suburbs. 

«Truly such a great honour to be recognised in my own state, which I still consider home and a place that I hold very dear to my heart,» Willoughby told ABC Radio Adelaide. 

«I think for BMX to be recognised amongst some of the other great sports that Australia is involved in, and more importantly South Australians, is very special.» 

The SA Sport Hall of Fame selection committee described Willoughby's induction as «a fitting tribute to an athlete who achieved so much in his chosen sport and has inspired so many who have followed in his path». 

Growing up in Trott Park, Willoughby said BMX started out as just a form of transportation for him and his brother. 

«We were pretty competitive kids, both of us, so naturally we were always racing each other on our bikes,» he said. 

It was a note on a bulletin board at Hallett Cove South Primary School for a 'come and try' BMX racing session at the Happy Valley track that sparked a life-long passion. 

«I never really looked back,» Willoughby said.

«I think I was just more so drawn to the competitive side of the sport than necessarily the fact that it was BMX. 

»Still to this day that is the part of it that I really love about it, the head-to-head competition, the thrill of working towards a goal that just has so many unknowns and so many variables is really exciting and appealing to me." 

As an eight-year-old, he dreamt of going to the United States and making a