.svg)
By
At Healthy Roster, we're big fans of highlighting how Athletic Trainers are helping athletes at more than high schools and colleges. We're seeing ATs working with industrial companies, pro sports teams, Nascar and even rodeos!
So, we're aware that when someone takes the road less traveled, it can be both exhilarating and daunting.
Luke Akande embodies this spirit as he steps into the relatively uncharted territory of BMX — bicycle motocross — as one of its first dedicated Athletic Trainers!
Working full-time for USA BMX out of the headquarters in Tulsa, and in conjunction with Oklahoma State University Sports Medicine, Akande finds himself at the forefront of an exciting and challenging endeavor.
"It's cool, but it's also intimidating. There's not a lot of dedicated BMX athletic trainers, I may be the only one."
His journey is not just professional but personal; as a first-generation American with Nigerian roots, Akande's path from the suburbs of Atlanta to the forefront of BMX athletic training is marked by dedication, hard work, and a passion for sports medicine.
Akande's resume is impressive, with experiences ranging from working with the University of Minnesota’s track & field and cross-country teams to supporting the University of Oregon’s indoor and beach volleyball teams, and even a stint with a Cincinnati Reds minor league baseball team.
However, it's the unique allure of BMX that captivated him, presenting an opportunity to venture into new territory and contribute to a sport on the rise, especially with BMX's inclusion in the Olympic Games.
The significance of Akande's role becomes even clearer through the eyes of the athletes he supports, such as Payton Ridenour, a hopeful for the USA Olympic BMX team.
Ridenour, with 16 years of BMX experience, highlights the importance of having dedicated medical professionals like Akande available, especially in a sport where high speeds and contact can lead to injuries ranging from concussions to broken collarbones.
"It’s been great so far having Luke here. I can just go over to him and ask him when I need something or have a question."
Akande's journey to athletic training was sparked by his own experiences as an athlete, having recovered from an injury with the help of an AT during his high school track days.
This early encounter with the power of athletic training set him on a path of wanting to provide the same guidance and support to others.
"You get to maintain that competitive environment like you have in sports, but it doesn’t matter if you win or lose, it’s about taking care of the athletes."
As Akande looks forward to the challenge of working with a newer sport and accompanying Team USA to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games, his story serves as a beacon for innovation and dedication in the field of sports medicine.
Breaking new ground in BMX, Akande is not only fulfilling a personal dream but also setting the stage for the next generation of athletic trainers in emerging sports disciplines.
