Olympic Games champion who was robbed in horrific smash and grab attack makes flying start to BMX title defence in Paris

Logan Martin has completed the BMX freestyle qualification with ease, achieving the third best score, putting the reigning Olympic champion back in top form.

The only Australian cyclist to win a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics on Tuesday averaged 89.39 during his two runs at the skate park in Paris.

Compatriot Natalya Diehm also made it to Wednesday’s medal round with the eighth best score and she is radiating self-confidence.

“I’m pretty happy with the way I rode… this day I’m probably always more nervous because you don’t really get that safety run,” said Martin

‘It definitely adds to the self-confidence.

‘I’ve probably had a few difficult months, but I’m healthy now and ready to go again.

“The good thing for me is that I’m going out on the track tomorrow with an Olympic gold medal – I’m the only one here with one. That’s probably a little bit of an advantage.”

It was scorching hot in the open-air stadium, but Martin and Diehm agreed that the conditions were no problem for them.

The Australian was only outpaced by two rivals during qualifying in Paris on Tuesday

“It’s very hot. I keep saying the Australians have the advantage here today.”

“It’s definitely difficult, but we can get through it.”

Martin, who dominated his freestyle debut at the Tokyo Olympics, had a tougher time in the run-up to Paris.

He failed to reach the final in the second of two qualifying tournaments, but that did not affect his Olympic selection.

A week ago, his personal belongings were stolen when thieves broke into a van in Brussels, where Martin was putting the finishing touches to his preparations for the Games.

Although he was glad his bikes were not in the van, Martin called it a “crazy” start to his Games.

Only British rider Kieran Reilly (91.21) and American Marcus Christopher (89.48) scored higher than Martin.

The Olympic champion’s van was robbed by thieves in Belgium before the Games started

French star Anthony Jeanjean, a rider in shape for the Olympics, finished fifth out of nine finalists.

Diehm, who has undergone five reconstructions on her right knee, improved in her second run, averaging 83.89.

Hannah Roberts, the American silver medalist in Tokyo, was the fastest in qualifying with 91.45 seconds.

“I’m very happy, very relieved and glad that I was able to score two runs in a row,” Diehm said.

‘We all had the same idea today to play it a little safer… the second run (on Wednesday) you go all out and hope to God you hit the ball.’

Unlike the qualifications, where the average of the two runs determines each rider’s ranking, the final is decided by the best of the two scores.