**Luke Akande: Pioneering Athletic Trainer for BMX at Oklahoma State University**
March 28, 2024
Media Contact: Sara Plummer | Communications Coordinator | 918-561-1282 | [email protected]

– Luke Akande is one of the first dedicated athletic trainers for BMX, joining Oklahoma State University Sports Medicine and USA BMX in Tulsa.
– He is a first-generation American with a background in Nigeria and has degrees from the University of Georgia and Florida International University.
– Akande has experience with various teams, including track & field at the University of Minnesota and Cincinnati Reds minor league baseball.
– He is excited by the unique challenges of working with a sport like BMX, where few trainers have experience.
– Akande will also travel to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris with Team USA BMX.
– He currently works with BMX athlete Payton Ridenour, who acknowledges the common injuries in the sport and the importance of having dedicated medical support.
– Akande’s passion for athletic training was sparked by his own experiences as an injured athlete in high school.
– His approach emphasizes athlete care over competition results.