30 Mar 2022
- 30 Mar 2022
Journey Of An Original: With Kye Whyte
SPRING SUMMER 2022
The Badge of An Original is a true mark of originality. A representation of those who tread their own path, act on their own terms. But everyone has their own journey, and we want to celebrate that.
This season here at Barbour International, we’re meeting a series of people who embody everything we stand for - to learn more about their journey, their passions, their attitudes, their stories, and how they’re making their mark of originality.
First up in our Journey Of An Original series is Kye Whyte, Pro BMXer and Olympian from Peckham, South London.
Kye styles the B.Intl Transmission Half Zip with the B.Intl Sport Track Pants.
How did you get started in BMX racing? Tell us about your journey.
My parents had to make huge sacrifices for me. Even when times were tough, they were still there supporting me, so I'm forever grateful to them. I had to move to Manchester at the age of 17 to train full time whilst my family all stayed in London, so that was tough too. But it was a dream my brother and I chased, and I'll never stop doing everything I can in order to achieve my goals.
What challenges have you had to overcome to get to where you are today?
My parents had to make huge sacrifices for me. Even when times were tough, they were still there supporting me, so I'm forever grateful to them. I had to move to Manchester at the age of 17 to train full time whilst my family all stayed in London, so that was tough too. But it was a dream my brother and I chased, and I'll never stop doing everything I can in order to achieve my goals.
Kye styles the B.Intl Sheene Harrington Jacket.
What is your proudest moment?
I’ve got a few proudest moments. The first was winning European silver in Glasgow, 2018. The year didn’t start well for me as I had a broken collar bone and back injuries halfway through the season, so to get back to my normal self and win my first medal in the European championships was amazing. I then went onto win the 2019 Manchester World Cup as a teenager in front of a home crowd, surrounded by family and friends. Then of course, my greatest achievement to date is Olympic Silver at the 2020 Games in Tokyo. The feeling when I won is indescribable. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and more importantly for my family - it’s changed, and is still changing our lives.
How do you express your identity?
I express my identity as a young black kid trying to change the world of cycling, by winning medals and making history! I’m happiest when on a BMX. That’s when I’m the true me, the original me.
Kye styles the Reworked Marino Casual Jacket with the Wrench Check Shirt and Block T-Shirt, and the B.Intl Transmission Half Zip with the B.Intl Sport Track Pants.
What’s the best piece of advice someone has given you?
To never give up and always fight to the end. That’s the main thing in life.
What makes you an original?
By being determined, headstrong and standing for what you believe. I am a young boy from Peckham that wants to show people from unprivileged areas that you can make something out of nothing, and to always follow your dreams.
Kye styles the B.Intl Sheene Harrington Jacket with the Brace Jeans and Cylinder Boots, and the B.Intl Transmission Half Zip with the Vue Casual Jacket.