One of Smulders' most memorable achievements is winning a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. This victory marked her as the first Dutch BMX racer to win an Olympic medal. Her performance at the Olympics earned her the title of the most promising talent at the Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation [NOC*NSF] sports gala in 2012.

Injuries and Comebacks

In January 2015, Smulders faced a significant setback when she partially tore her meniscus and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during training. Despite this injury, she made a remarkable comeback by competing at the 2015 World Championships in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium.

Record-Breaking Milestones

Smulders achieved a major milestone in her career with her victory at the 2021 World Cup event in Verona, Italy. This win brought her total World Cup victories to 20, more than any other male or female BMX racer. Her consistent performance has solidified her status as one of the top athletes in BMX racing.

Family Influence

The influence of BMX racing runs deep in Smulders' family. Her younger sister Merel has also represented the Netherlands in BMX racing, winning silver at the 2018 World Championships in Baku, Azerbaijan, and finishing fourth at the 2019 European Championships in Valmiera, Latvia. Their father, Frank Smulders, has been the manager of the Oegema TVE BMX team in the Netherlands.

Future Ambitions

Looking ahead, Laura Smulders aims to continue competing at the highest levels of BMX racing. She plans to participate in upcoming international competitions and maintain her position as a leading figure in the sport. Her dedication and resilience serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.

Smulders' journey from a young girl inspired by her brother's BMX competition to becoming a record-breaking athlete is a testament to her hard work and determination. As she continues to compete and achieve new milestones, she remains a prominent figure in the world of BMX racing.