Matt Gillespie on BMXing, Saving Lives & Setting Up Skateparks

 

Matt Gillespie is a die hard BMX fanatic who has dedicated his adult life to the pursuit of seeing Skateparks built across Northern Ireland.

He’s built three indoor Skateparks, runs a dare devil stunt team and fronts an organisation who seek to teach every child in the land how to safely ride a bmx, stunt scooter or skateboard.

In the last 5 years Matt has added father and husband to the CV and now has 2 of his own adrenaline junkies to enjoy the action sports lifestyle with him.

In today’s conversation we chat about:

  • The E Myth

  • How he got into BMXing at 9-years-old

  • Why he gave 20-years of his life to the sport

  • Starting his own skateparks

  • Working with Rihanna

  • Saving someones life

  • And the impact COVID has had on childhoods across our nation

Check it out.

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Treasure Trove

What's One Thing Most People Don't Know About You?
I can back flip a bmx bike at 20 stone

What's Your Favourite Book?
The E myth Revisited

What's Your Favourite Quote?
There is no can't do, only haven't done yet.

Last but not least, is there anything you'd like us to promote?If so, please pop some links below:
Action Sports like bmx, Skateboarding and free running are an incredibly welcoming and fulfilling sport or hobby to take up. The old "I'll probably break my neck" saying is a load of balls and you're only holding yourself back from truly LIVING YOUR LIFE. When I was a kid there was literally nowhere to ride, now NI has almost 10 Skateparks and there are highly skilled and trained 'dedicated professionals' who are there to help you get the hang of things and progress like any other better known sport, especially in my facility THUNDER PARK in Bangor.

Also in business, get a mentor, ask for help and never stop learning.

How To Listen

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Thanks again to Matthew Gillespie for taking the time to share his story with us.

See you next time.

— Matt

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Matthew Thompson