Two years ago, if you had mentioned BMX Freestyle in Lesotho, you would likely have been met with quizzical looks.

Today, thanks to the efforts of High Altitude Development Organization (HADO), BMX Freestyle has become a thriving reality, producing champions from unexpected corners of the country.

Lesotho, with its stunning landscapes and pastoral lifestyle, is not the first place that comes to mind for extreme sports. Yet, against this picturesque backdrop, a new breed of athletes is emerging, their passion and grit matched only by the rugged terrain they ride upon.

BMX, short for Bicycle Motocross, is not just a sport in Lesotho, it is a passion, a way of life.

These BMX bikes, the hot rods of off-road cycling, are built for speed, agility, and daring tricks. And Lesotho’s challenging landscape, with its rugged mountains and winding trails, provides the perfect backdrop for these young riders to push themselves to new heights.

For those unfamiliar with the sport, BMX entails navigating a treacherous cross-country course, filled with obstacles, jumps, and hairpin turns. It is a test of skill, strength, and courage, where every rider must summon their inner daring to conquer the course.

Founded by Khoarai Khoarai, a seasoned cycling veteran and certified A-level cycling coach hailing from Ha-Tsosane, Maseru, HADO has a singular mission: to unearth, nurture, and showcase the latent talent of young Basotho across various sports and entertainment disciplines.

Serving as a crucial link between different stakeholders, HADO is dedicated to empowering Basotho youth in their athletic pursuits.

“As a cycling aficionado, it came to my attention that a lot of cyclists are struggling to get recognition from the Federation of Cycling Lesotho, hence the death of the sport,” explained Khoarai.

For Khoarai, cycling is not just about physical fitness, it is about holistic well-being. He firmly believes that that participation in sports like biking, can significantly contribute to the physical and mental health of children, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support among participants.

Moreover, beyond the athletic realm, HADO has evolved into a tight-knit community for its members, providing them with a sense of belonging akin to that of a second family.

Hence, values like teamwork, sharing, and encouragement are instilled, creating an environment where young Basotho can thrive both on and off field.

Back in 2015, the incredibly talented Lerotholi Theko (17) received a new bike from his father. Little did he know that this simple gift would kickstart an incredible journey into the world of BMX.

A five-time BMX Freestyle winner with four years at HADO, Lerotholi, inspired by the experienced BMX trailblazer Khotso Maama, aspires to become the number one biker in Lesotho, and the world in the next five years. In addition to his BMX pursuits, Lerotholi is a chess player, an activity he credits for sharpening his analytical skills.

Another riding star is Nthabiseng Suhlane (18),a National BMX Freestyle champion and a member of HADO for two years. Despite riding a bike since grade four, it was her friends from HADO that recognised her talent for freestyle riding.

What started as playful bike rides with friends quickly transformed into a passion for BMX, propelling Nthabiseng to become one of Lesotho’s most promising female BMX stars. 

“HADO, my bike, is like family to me. The guys, when we ride together, they treat and see me as one of them. If anything, you’d think I’m also a guy,” she said laughing. 

“The sport gives me so much peace. When I ride my bike, I don’t even do it simply because I do it with my heart,” she added. 

What is remarkable about Lerotholi and Nthabiseng’s journeys is not just their talent but also the tight-knit community they’ve found at HADO. And for Nthabiseng, despite BMX being a male-dominated sport in a country known for its traditional and slightly conservative values, she feels right at home among her fellow bikers. 

Looking ahead, both Lerotholi and Nthabiseng dream of bigger things. Lerotholi harbors ambitions of conquering BMX tracks around the globe, while Nthabiseng aspires to study Civil Engineering at Lerotholi Polytechnic. And their journeys wouldn’t have been this possible without the unwavering support of their families and the dedicated team at HADO.

It is, of course, not all smooth riding for HADO. Despite their success in nurturing local talent, the club faces challenges in securing funding and sponsorship to improve their facilities and support their athletes.

Khoarai recognizes the uphill battle but remains hopeful for the future, foreseeing a day when HADO’s influence extends beyond the BMX track, also offering youth a path to brighter futures through sport. 

“Our future goal is to have a facility within the proximity of Naleli and ha Mabote where youth can participate in various sports activities of their choice, which shall in turn serve as their career building stories especially now when our country is facing a high rate of unemployment,” he said. 

With sponsorship from the Sam Matekane Foundation, the BMX riders at HADO continue to defy the odds, clinching trophies, showcasing their boldness and courage, making waves in competitions in Lesotho and abroad.

Their success is a testament to the power of dreams and the incredible ability to utilize the natural landscape to its full potential, all while empowering the youth of Lesotho.