Capalaba BMX star Cody Manganaro claims first place at Queensland championships

The 13-year-old from Redlands BMX Club clinched first place at the state championships held at Sleeman Sports Complex last month.

It was a successful weekend for the Capalaba-based club, with another three riders finishing top of the pops and a large number earning placings.

Manganaro, who has been participating in the sport since he was seven and is well known to Logan riders, achieved good results during the championship's preliminary races before taking out the title in the final.

His mother Toni Noonan said he had trained hard at home during coronavirus lockdown when all community sport was on hold.

He had used a sprintblock to practice his start, kept fit with a home gym routine and practiced basic skills by riding around with friends.

Noonan said she was proud of her son's achievements, particularly given his state championship crown was his best achievement in the sport to date.

"He has never received a first overall placing," she said.

"Even in general zone area (events) he has always been third or fourth ... so he was super excited.

"I am very proud. He has worked very hard and wanted this himself."

Manganaro has a busy training schedule which includes practice sessions at Logan and Centenary Plains BMX tracks.

The Capalaba State College student's next target was the Australian titles in 2021 but his long term goal was to represent Australia at the Olympics.

He has already made a step-up to the next level, having qualified for the Australian team that toured Belgium in 2019.

Noonan said Manganaro broke into the sport on the back of his brother's interest.

He had tried other sports along the way but was now settled on BMX.

"It was convenient," Noonan said. "They both like riding bikes and it is an easy, affordable sport until you start doing the circuit, but that is optional."

Manganaro listed national champion and Logan-based rider Izacc Kennedy as one of his idols.

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