BYU Universe: BMX racer avenges heartbreak by clinching Olympic berth

Our take: After a 2008 crash left her just shy of Olympic qualification, BYU grad Arielle Martin has bounced back and will head to London this month. The BYU Universe has the details:

USA Cycling national BMX coach James Herrera has worked with Martin since February 2011 and has positive feelings toward her tough journey.

You know, 2008 was a raw deal. Due to an unfortunate crash, we didnt send our best girl to the games, Herrera said. Most athletes would have packed it up after something like that. It was a life-changing experience that I believe will allow her to overcome any adversity she experiences down the road."

Martin again held the points lead and No. 1 ranking going into the final at the World Championships in Birmingham, Great Britain, in May. With the next closest American, Alise Post, experiencing her own unfortunate crash and placing fourth-place, Martin punched her ticket to London.

Read more about U.S. Olympic athlete Arielle Martin on universe.byu.edu.