27 May 2012

BMX star Walker qualifies for Olympics

12:57 pm on 27 May 2012

The New Zealand's BMX rider Sarah Walker was a relieved woman after qualifying for the Olympics at the UCI World Championships in Birmingham.

Just six weeks after dislocating her shoulder, Walker, the 2009 world champion, missed out on any medals but finished fifth in the semi-final to secure a qualifying spot for the London Games.

The 23-year-old had to finish better than eighth in the semi-final to earn sufficient points to claim a spot in London.

Meanwhile fellow New Zealander Marc Willers, after dominating his semi-final, crashed in the final while attempting a passing move on defending champion Joris Daudet for second place.

Willers has already qualified for London.

Australian Sam Willoughby took out the men's world title.