Shaun Jarvis Inducted into the Australian BMX Hall of Fame
Freestyle Now is proud to celebrate a major milestone: our co-founder Shaun Jarvis has been officially inducted into the Australian BMX Hall of Fame. This honour recognises more than four decades of dedication to BMX in Australia as a rider, performer, competitor, coach, announcer and community leader. The Australian BMX Hall of Fame was created to honour the riders, pioneers, and contributors who have made a lasting impact on BMX culture in Australia. Inductees are recognised not only for their achievements on the bike, but also for their dedication to growing the sport, supporting riders, and shaping the BMX community. Shaun’s inclusion highlights his lifelong commitment to promoting BMX in all its forms.
Shaun Jarvis captured at Merikin Park, Kobe, Japan in 2016. While competing at the international Flatark flatland competition, Shaun rode near Merikin Park during many practice sessions. Photographer Marcio Massayuki Abe snapped this shot just as a ferry horn startled the pigeons into flight, perfect timing.
Shaun’s BMX journey began in the early 1980s, when the sport was still finding its identity in Australia. What started as a kid watching riders at a local jump spot soon became a lifelong commitment. From racing at Wanneroo BMX Club to pioneering BMX freestyle and flatland, Shaun helped shape the evolution of Australian BMX from the grassroots up. In 1986, Shaun and George Molnar co-founded Freestyle Now to share the excitement and creativity of BMX. Over the years, through Shaun’s drive, Freestyle Now has delivered thousands of stunt shows, hundreds of competitions, and countless coaching and mentoring sessions across Australia, inspiring generations of riders to get involved, be creative, stay positive, and push their limits. Now, as Australia’s oldest professional BMX rider, Shaun continues to ride, compete, perform, and teach. In 2023, he earned his AusCycling Freestyle Development Coach certification, reinforcing his commitment to developing the next generation of BMX riders.
Speaking at the induction, Shaun reflected on his journey:
“I see my life as a chain, with many links, all revolving around a sprocket called BMX. BMX was my escape from bullying at school. I didn’t have friends there, but in the garage I had a best friend who never let me down: my bike. That friendship is still going strong 43 years later. More than anything, BMX has given me a life of purpose, creativity, and connection. I’ve been lucky to build something that not only promotes the sport but also helps communities, builds confidence in young people, and brings a bit of joy to crowds of all sizes. That little kid who once stood on a hill watching others ride could never have imagined this journey. BMX has been my constant, my teacher, and my lifelong friend. And tonight, being welcomed into the Australian BMX Hall of Fame is another link in that chain, one I’ll carry with me forever.”
Shaun’s induction into the Australian BMX Hall of Fame recognises not only his achievements on the bike, but the lasting impact he’s had on Australian BMX, action sports, and the wider community. His legacy lives on every day through the work Freestyle Now continues to do, inspiring riders of all ages, creating opportunities for growth, and keeping the spirit of BMX rolling strong across Australia.
Shaun Jarvis receiving his Australian BMX Hall of Fame induction award in September 2025, celebrating over four decades of dedication to BMX as a rider, performer, competitor, coach, and community leader.
Left – Shaun Jarvis in his early BMX days racing at the 1984 Australian BMX National Championships in Byford (number 350), where he met Bob Haro and Steve Cassap, a meeting that set him on his freestyle career path.
Right – Riding the jumps at Quinns Rocks, where he first discovered BMX by watching from the hill in the background. In the photo, you can also see the starting gate that was used to hold races on the Quinns track, marking the place where Shaun’s passion for BMX truly began.
Shaun Jarvis (right) with co-founder George Molnar (left) and Brad Dyer (centre) at the 1987 Fremantle Speed Classic stunt show. This is the only known group photo of the original Freestyle Now crew. Notice the hand-painted Freestyle Now banner in the background. Who would have thought that from these humble beginnings, Freestyle Now would grow into the world’s longest-running action sports enterprise.
Left – Shaun performing a frame stand at the Fremantle Speed Classic show in March 1987. Todd Tribler watches on and gets ready to ride. Todd was announcing the show and when Georg got hurt in one of the shows Todd jumped in to ride while Georg took on the announcing role.
Right – In 1992, Freestyle Now performed at the Master Choc Regatta, where the shows had a busker-style vibe, with announcements made through a megaphone. These early performances captured the creativity, energy, and grassroots spirit that defined Freestyle Now from the very beginning.
Left – Shaun Jarvis being jumped over by good friend and fellow stunt show rider Andrew Ahumada while holding a Nourie handstand, showcasing the skill, daring, and precision that has defined his career. Over the years, Shaun has performed in more than 1,600 shows across Australia. The job mirrors freestyle riding itself, constantly adapting and responding to each location, setup, and situation. Shaun doesn’t just ride and perform complex tricks; he works the crowd as a professional MC, drawing audiences in and making every show interactive. Behind the scenes, logistics can mean hours of driving, challenging setups, and unpredictable weather, but the radness always gets rolled out. Each show blends entertainment and education, proving Shaun’s role goes far beyond performing, he creates experiences, inspires riders, and brings the excitement of BMX, scooter, and skate culture to communities everywhere.
Right – Shaun coaching riders, reflecting the countless hours he has dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of BMX, scooter, and skate riders. His coaching is built on a deep understanding of movement and motion how bodies, bikes, boards, and scooters work together and how small adjustments can unlock big progression. Just as important is Shaun’s understanding of fear and risk, and knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to build confidence first. Every participant arrives with a different mindset, ability level, and motivation, and Shaun’s strength as a coach lies in recognising those differences and adapting his approach to suit the individual. Clear communication, patience, empathy, and experience are the attributes that define his coaching, creating an environment where riders feel supported, challenged, and motivated to progress, reinforcing the creativity, progression, and community Freestyle Now was founded on.
Left – Shaun Jarvis pushing the limits at Horsham Skatepark, always exploring new parks and terrains. His riding is constantly moving forward, thinking beyond what he’s currently doing, imagining new ideas, and testing himself in different environments. Shaun embraces all aspects of BMX, not sticking to just one discipline but enjoying the variety, creativity, and fun that the sport offers. This curiosity and drive have shaped his style and kept him at the forefront of BMX progression for decades, all while embracing the values of creativity, progression, and community
Right – Flatland is Shaun’s main forte, a discipline demanding balance, precision, and creativity. He has competed in countless BMX flatland events, including DownUnderground and Flatark, inspiring riders around the world with his unique style. Mastering flatland requires dedication, as well as an intimate understanding of movement, body mechanics, and motion. Shaun’s expertise in flatland has directly shaped his coaching philosophy, guiding riders to develop confidence, technique, and a love for creativity, progression, and community.
Shaun Jarvis riding BMX flatland at the Australian hub of flatland, Melbourne IMAX. Flatland is performed on flat, smooth surfaces and emphasizes balance, control, precision, and creativity. Riders execute intricate spins, pivots, and tricks, using the bike as an extension of their movement. For Shaun, riding flatland is more than technique — it’s about the freedom, focus, and flow that come from moving in perfect harmony with the bike. As time has moved on, Shaun has let go of expectations from riding, no longer feeling that every ride must be progressive or perfect. By doing so, he has discovered even more freedom in his riding and a renewed enjoyment in simply being on the bike.
Looking back over more than four decades, Shaun’s journey with BMX has been one of passion, creativity, and connection. From that first hill in Quinns Rocks to the world’s biggest flatland stages, he has experienced the highs, the risks, and the pure joy that comes with riding. Today, Shaun rides with no expectations, embracing each session for what it is, a moment of freedom, expression, and fun. That perspective, built from years of learning, performing, and teaching, perfectly reflects the essence of his lifelong commitment to BMX and the spirit he continues to share with every rider he inspires.
