Cardiff BMX Legend Helped Choreograph Olympic Opening Ceremonies

Back in the 70s Cardiff resident Bob Haro just wanted to ride his bike, like most kids. Only he was using that bike to do tricks that the world had never seen. Today’s he’s dubbed the ‘Father of Freestyle BMX’, and his stunt driving skills helped create that famous bike scene in the movie ET. Fittingly, he also founded the first freestyle bike company, Haro Bikes—and Haro Design Group, an agency in Cardiff that caters to action sports.

And now, Haro can add the 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremonies to his growing list of impressive work.

He was recently recruited to help create the bicycle sequence for the opening ceremonies, titled Isles of Wonder, which are slated for Friday in London. Haro recently told Examiner.com he’s been aboard for a couple months now working on the BMX choreography.

"I was hired for my bicycle experience,” he told the news site, adding that some portions of his routine were cut, but that he managed to keep a big finale. “I won't spoil the surprise but all I'll say is that is has something to do with 'Doves'."

To get an insider's look at the opening ceremonies, check out the photos attached to this story, which Haro snapped from iside the stadium in London.

"This place is abuzz right now," he told Patch via email Friday morning a couple of hours beofre the opening ceremonies were set to start.

Haro also said he designed the logo graphic for Nike’s team USA's 2012 Olympic BMX racing apparel, noting that the eagle is holding BMX handlebars.

Read the full story here.

If you’d like to watch the Olympic Opening Ceremony, here’s a preview of what to expect and here’s a rundown on local broadcast information.

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