Becky James facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Rebecca James

James in 2012
Personal information
Full name	Rebecca Angharad James
Born	(1991-11-29) 29 November 1991 (age 33) Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales
Height	1.71 m
Weight	67 kg
Team information
Current team	Velosure–Giordana
Discipline	Track & Road
Role	Rider
Rider type	Sprinter / All-rounder

Rebecca Angharad James (born 29 November 1991) is a super talented Welsh former professional racing cyclist. She was amazing at track cycling, which is a type of bike racing on a special indoor track. Rebecca became a world champion in both sprint and keirin events in 2013. She also won two silver medals at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio!

Rebecca rode for Wales and the Great Britain Cycling Team. She was part of the British Cycling team that helps athletes get ready for the Olympics.

Rebecca's Early Life

Rebecca James was born in Abergavenny, Wales. Her family loves cycling! She has an older sister, Rachel James, who is also a racing cyclist. Her two younger sisters, Ffion and Megan, and her brother, Gareth, all enjoy cycling too. Ffion is even on the British national mountain bike team. Rebecca went to King Henry VIII School in Abergavenny.

Rebecca's Cycling Journey

Starting Out in Cycling

Rebecca began her cycling journey at the Abergavenny Road Club. She started riding bikes at a young age.

In 2009, Rebecca had a fantastic year! She won gold medals in the sprint and 500-metre time trial at the European Track Championships. She also earned a silver medal in the keirin event. Later that year, she won gold in the keirin and sprint at the UCI Junior Track Cycling World Championships. She even set a new world record for the flying 200 metres! Rebecca keeps her special "Rainbow Jersey" from her world championship win at home.

Becoming a Professional Cyclist

Rebecca with her Olympic silver medals

In 2010, Rebecca represented Wales at the XIX Commonwealth Games. She won a bronze medal in the 500m time trial and a silver medal in the sprint race.

Rebecca joined a professional cycling team in 2011. She was chosen for British Cycling's special program to develop Olympic athletes.

At the 2013 UCI World Championships, Rebecca had a huge victory! She beat Germany's Kristina Vogel to win her first world gold medal in the sprint championship. She also won gold in the keirin, making her a double world champion!

Rebecca was supposed to compete at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. However, she had to pull out because of a knee injury.

At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Rebecca achieved incredible success. She won two silver medals, one in the keirin event and another in the sprint event.

In August 2017, Rebecca announced that she was retiring from cycling. She decided to start her own baking business, which sounds delicious!

On the podium (left) at the 2016 Summer Olympics

Rebecca's Personal Life

Rebecca used to enjoy horse riding and even competed in show jumping. However, she stopped to focus on her cycling career.

Before a race, Rebecca likes to listen to Electronic dance music while warming up. When she's waiting, she enjoys Reggae music. Her favorite place to ride her bike is Pollença in Mallorca.

Her role models are two other famous cyclists: Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton.

In June 2019, Rebecca married her long-time partner, George North. George is a Welsh international rugby player. On May 5, 2020, Rebecca and George welcomed their son, Jac, into the world.

Achievements

See also

In Spanish: Rebecca James (ciclista) para niños