“Basically, like all kids I was much more into being outside and riding my bike and doing things outdoors than playing PlayStation or computer games,” he told us.

“We had a BMX track close to where I grew up in Somerset and I was introduced by a friend at five years old. They used to run club nights every Tuesday and Thursday night and I went down for the first time and was hooked. I went every single week.

“That progressed onto racing regional level races and then from regional to national to international. Obviously BMX is very family orientated at the amateur level and I went into all these races when I was young with the support of my parents and yeah ended up racing all over the world!”

Phillips’ dad Pete became heavily involved in the BMX community as a result of Liam’s involvement, too.

Pete runs a construction company who played a part in renovating the BMX track that Liam grew up on in Somerset. He soon became involved in the running of the BMX club to the point where he developed enough skill go on and take the role of national coach.

“That’s something that looking back at now, having played football and felt that frustration, I think that that’s one of the things that I really enjoyed from the very beginning about BMX. It all rests on me and win, lose or draw there isn’t anyone else to blame.”

Our fingers are crossed that Liam won’t need to blame himself or anyone else come the Rio de Janeiro Olympics this summer.

And likewise, if he does go on to fulfil his potential and take the gold medal home, he’ll only have himself – and possibly a couple of parents – to thank for his success.

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