BASINGSTOKE'S veteran BMX rider Sarah Jane Nichols is on the brink of her next big challenge as she readies herself to compete in the World BMX Championships at the Rock Hill BMX Supercross Track in the United States.

Sarah, now 53, who made headlines last year with her remarkable return to the sport after a hiatus of 35 years, is ready to take on a formidable field of 68 riders in her age category on Sunday, May 12.

"Preparations have been going well," she said.

Sarah acknowledged the formidable competition awaiting her at the World Championships but remains undaunted.

READ MORE: Basingstoke BMX legend Nichols returns with podium finish

"There are 68 riders in my age category, so it's definitely going to be tough," she said. "But I'm hopeful for a strong showing."

Sarah's journey back to the pinnacle of BMX racing has been nothing short of extraordinary.

The Bramley resident became a seven-time British, four-time European, and one-time World BMX champion, carving her name into the annals of the sport's history.

Sarah's love for the sport extended to the heady days of the 80s when BMX was a cultural phenomenon.

However, as the years rolled on, Sarah hung up her BMX boots in 1987. The sport she loved dearly took a backseat, and she shifted her focus to an equally impressive career in ice hockey.

Her journey led her to become a stalwart for the women's elite team in Guilford and eventually with Basingstoke Hyenas.

Over the next 35 years, she played for various teams, even representing England and Great Britain in her youth.

However, the Covid-19 pandemic and the onset of menopause prompted her to reassess her priorities and reignite her passion for BMX.

Returning to the sport after nearly four decades, Sarah faced new challenges as BMX tracks had evolved significantly since her retirement.

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Undeterred by the changes, she dove headfirst into training and competition, resulting in a stunning third-place finish at the British BMX Championships.

She had her first national victory since returning to the sport just a few of weeks ago. This was followed by second- and third-place finishes at the national weekend two weeks ago.

But she took a big crash during this event when a gust of wind blew three riders off a mid-jump. Fortunately, nothing was broken and she remains focused and determined as she braces for the World Championships.