Training and Achievements

In 2021, Fields trained five or six days a week at the Elite Athlete Training Center in San Diego, CA. Part of the track there was remodelled to replicate the BMX course at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. This rigorous training regime helped him prepare for top-level competitions.

Fields' most memorable sporting achievement came in 2016 when he won a gold medal at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. This victory made him the first BMX racer representing the United States to win an Olympic gold medal. Following this achievement, he was honoured with keys to the Las Vegas Strip and Henderson, NV.

Influences and Inspirations

Fields credits his parents as the most influential people in his career. He also looks up to several sports icons, including US basketball player Kevin Durant, US American football player James Harrison, US swimmer Michael Phelps, and US boxer Muhammad Ali.

Injuries and Setbacks

Throughout his career, Fields has faced numerous injuries. In early 2019, he was sidelined for two months due to a back injury sustained during a race in France. In 2018, he suffered a concussion and a seizure after a crash at the US national championships in Tulsa, OK. This incident kept him out of action for over a month.

In 2017, Fields experienced grade 3 tears of two ligaments in his ankle after colliding with Canadian BMX racer Tory Nyhaug during a race in Oldsmar, FL. The injury required several months of recovery. In 2016, he broke the scaphoid bone in his left wrist during a World Cup event in Manchester, England. Despite requiring surgery and missing the World Championships in Medellin, Colombia, he recovered in time for the Rio Olympics.

Earlier in his career, Fields needed knee surgery after crashing while leading the junior race at the world championships in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, in 2010. This injury kept him out of action for seven months.

Philosophy and Hobbies

Fields describes BMX racing as almost relaxing due to the intense focus required. He enjoys playing and watching basketball, movies, ice hockey, American football, supercross, motocross, and spending time with friends.

Awards and Honours

Following his gold medal win at the Rio Olympics, Fields received keys to both the Las Vegas Strip and Henderson. These honours reflect his significant contributions to BMX racing and his local community.

Future Plans

Looking ahead from July 2024, Fields plans to continue coaching at a BMX track near his home in Las Vegas when not travelling for competitions. He finds joy in teaching beginners and reconnecting with the basics of why he loves the sport.

The Writing on the Wall

As a teenager, Fields wrote on a wall of his parents' house that he would one day be an Olympic champion. His parents preserved this piece of wall when they moved house. It now sits beside his gold medal from Rio at his home.

Retirement Considerations

In 2021, Fields mentioned that he would consider how much longer he wants to compete after the Tokyo Olympics. He plans to take a break before deciding whether to continue for another year or more.