Nigel Sylvester Doesn't Need BMX Competitions

In a uniquely intimate conversation with VICE Autobiographies, Nigel Sylvester shares the pivotal moment that ignited his rise in the world of BMX and the challenges he faced along the way.
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[@philg6757]

For a man that spends a lot of his time in the air he`s very grounded.

[@lenn675]

I'm 42, I remember seeing Nigel riding down at the brooklyn banks. Always looked up to him and had a lot of respect for him. After watching this, that level of respect has shot up to the highest level.

[@IndigoTraveller]

You guys should do a story on Chase Dehart. I think he has a story too.

[@DakaONER94]

Most steezy rider in the game without question

[@god5535]

The legend Indigo Traveller...!

[@deficharliegosseTK]

He’s not from NYC. Lmfaooo but yes I’m pretty sure Chase Dehart has an interesting story

[@natecollins6937]

Mad respect for this dude

[@MoeFe]

RIP Dave Mirra

[@jayalison1357]

was wondering if anyone knew about this

[@drumtravelfun]

CTE. Protect your head.

[@donaldderp1602]

I didn't know, Damn :(

[@gdfschimpi007]

He committed suicide.

[@brickpig]

gdfschimpi007 what?!

[@Yodaforce2023]

I'm 45 years old and missed my opportunity long ago. Old school. Mirra was a great man and you really were blessed to have that time with him. Just picked up a used bike and I look forward to getting back in. You're story is amazing. Bless you bro.

[@sunnyboi4976]

its never too late.

[@jgvtc559]

Way back when I had the red and black lumberjack

[@dsahsdouga]

Jason G and a hat to match

[@beng7139]

Jason G remember rapping dude, Da ha Da ha

[@datcanadianguy6972]

Jason G never thought that hip hop would take it this far

[@huntertardiff8115]

Now I'm in the lime light cause my rhymes tight

[@jjones8645]

Born sinner, the opposite of a winner, remember when I used to eat sardines for dinner

[@BOOMBIKE]

GO Nigel

[@zahier_gaidien9259]

stefan 1n1 you fucken idiot.

[@levig-man4103]

Go Nigel !

[@destructionbikes4156]

THE BOOM, es una sorpresa muy agradable el encontrarte por acá :3

[@sbr7018]

THE BOOM he dead bro

[@okay9517]

This man came to a local event probably 10 years ago at momentum cycles signed my handle bars and hung out with me while he ate wing stop and even gave me some of his food. I was probably being an annoying little kid but he was so humble and cool about it. Just a straight amazing guy

[@jmfs3497]

8:52 - 8:55 over that ledge was beautifully quick.

[@LittleRainGames]

I feel this guy. I grew up mountain biking, but was embarrassed of my dream to become a game designer, because I lived in a really sport loving town. My mom was just diagnosed with cancer, my dad has a head injury. I still mountain bike when i can, my dream of becoming a DH racer is gone, but all my friends top in the world, wish i could be there but glad im where i am at the same time, glad i can just enjoy biking as a hobby and design games for a living. I would have gone pro, but was addicted to heroin for 8 years, thats life!

[@LILAJ245]

so crazy but very inspiring i tend to be in the same shoes in a perspective. I've always loved DH racing and bmx pretty anything that involves bikes.. as a kid i grew even more into biking because of the games, i use to play a DH game called " Downhill domination" that was the best game of my childhood. it was for me the best of both worlds to have. now I'm a lot older my early 19 years of life but i still can chance this dream but just like you said.. theres always something there or a situation that just didn't let me be that but that is true.. thats life! aim for your goals ASAP never wait!

[@andrewwalsh3982]

my friends and I called it "ya boy dude" but ya downhill domintaion was bomb af

[@edwinlarapaz7292]

Respect

[@riseandrevoltfuckmoderncom8885]

Yeah heroin got me to bro lol fuck sakes I'm good now tho

[@darrellhouston8864]

The humbleness of this man is amazing he deserves everything that comes to him. Much love and respect 💯

[@tyhenry0619]

Nigel inspired me to start BMX I usually skate but he expanded my mind to try BMX and with seeing him grow up as a little kid dropping in on his first time at the skatepark and over coming his fear I can already bunny hop 1 1/2 - 2 ft after 1 weeks of doing BMX Also thanks to Nigel I worked all week non stop while I was supposed to be visiting family from the state I use to live in and now I can afford a good bike!

[@spazonWZ]

He inspired me recently too man I got my bmx and it’s been fun since then.. surely perfecting my bunny hop

[@adlar2005]

10:39 Apologies for the ignorance... Much support and respect from Mexico!

[@MrLVCO]

Was it ignorant for them to call him that? yes. Was it racist? most likely not. I'm glad that Nigel was empathetic and didn't think any less of them.

[@tiny4307]

well, everything about that was ignorant.... because ignorance means uneducated or not knowing about something

[@ibexlove7009]

+Hobal Grajeda Its interesting they could call him the n word and not know what it means ha?

[@fallenhw]

He stated the they were kids, kids are un-mature and don't know wtf they say or do in the other hand they should've of know better if they had some what of an insight!

[@jljl4445]

Dudes in spanish and portuguese "i" have de song of "e" tey can call neegel cause in spanish and portugues nigel writes naigel or neigel

[@marcod.porter9807]

From what you were saying in your film, it gives me the strong impression that you're actually an artist. The bike is your paint and the urban environment is your canvas. With that in mind it makes perfect sense that you hang out with people from different industries to the bmx world.

[@damnang2406]

he reminds me of myself when I was younger.I remember the first time I ever heard of BMX riding.I had Dave Mirras freestyle BMX on the GameCube.I was hooked.I remember being the only rider where I'm from (Guam).I would ride for hours.sometimes from morning till night.Just doing my own thing.exploring the island and having fun.But as I got older I slowly started to forget about BMX.I miss those days.

[@albertfrancissimons7907]

everybody saying how did he make it about Race he is black just like how riding is his life so is being black in life we all have diffrent obstacles Just cause you don't experience it doesn't make it fake like an Asian basketball player female NASCAR or rally drivers black hockey player it's a rarity

[@wunoh]

Duv Adams but you think it’s just a bunch of white dudes up at the top saying, NO FEMALES, NO ASIANS, NO BLACK PEOPLE? Because you’re wrong, it’s just white males try more than other people do. Not saying they’re better than everyone.

[@ClutchFirst]

This was so DOPE! Felt good watching this documentary. 😊

[@beraiahyisrael4178]

I used to be a skateboarder in NYC. I know how you feel man. I'm just happy you stuck to it. I'm happy for Nigel

[@eric321ification]

This is THE BOMB! I love this dude, his style, and his chill demeanor.

[@kevn99]

You don’t want to work a 9-5 ever again...stay single and don’t knock up anyone.

[@claysoggyfries]

I wanna work a 9 to 5

[@de132]

I want to work a 10-4 lmao

[@haitianhendrix]

Rip tha OG Dave Mirra.

[@lethal1fmx]

Alot of respect for you my dude I'm almost 40 an live on long island an I've always looked up to guys like you I do work a 9-5 because I guess I was to scared to take that chance you did . So my dude I give you alot of respect!! Your my hero now !!

[@ChiTownGuerrilla]

The dude who inspired me to learn bars!

[@sovereignviper]

"As a black kid from Queens, you're not going to go pro." *2 seconds later* "When I was 17 I got a phonecall, then my life changed."

[@InfiniteVibration]

yo the kids in mexico were probably trying to pronounce your name in Spanish ( Nee - Gel) The 'i' in spanish makes an E sound.

[@DookLeto]

idd

[@raulvitela2836]

My thoughts exactly. Even the R and L sounds are close. An english name pronounced in spanish. Those kids were probably so pumped and poor "Neegel" was offended😕 I wonder im sure they traveled with a translator

[@idiotxx1]

or if they were into American Rap they probably thought it was cool to call a brutha that.

[@un1cos]

Ya I was thinking the same. I know a Nigel that’s Mexican and his g sounds like a j but in Spanish j sounds like an h. It’s confusing right? Ya there’s some out there probably saying it on purpose but from me respect is given regardless of skin unless I’m disrespected on purpose. We all bleed red.

[@mandoe2894]

E

[@Myegoisdead]

Loved this video, really brought me motivation.

[@jord99n]

He live next to aunt may from spiderman

[@benjelavich8838]

Jordan Hyphy this really inspire me

[@maseratimic100]

I salute this young brother. Happy to see a young brother doing something different and not out here TRAP-N- and busting a gun.

[@MrPotatoAssassin]

Y'all need to chill. He didn't turn it into a race thing. He said he hid it because he didn't want his peers to make fun of him because at the time they saw it as a white boy sport.

[@dajam9035]

It was even worst if you were a black skater. i've seen guys make fun of people like that. It is pathetic!

[@s3xmachine175]

dajam9035 You guys must not be from LA or NYC

[@dajam9035]

Nope. I lived in florida almost my whole life.

[@s3xmachine175]

dajam9035 Well no one really cares if you're a black skater here . It's more about skills.. Been skating in LA since 95

[@idiotxx1]

The race angle was being tossed about by the "community" he lived in. And of course Vice, everything has to have an aggrieved angle. Nigel is a Boss who is doing cool shit. Makin dough and a life riding his bike. Anyone with an issue is less racist (Black or white) and more Jealous.

[@floorsixteen.2796]

I Love everything about this video, I grew up a huge BMX Fan, to hear that he met Dave Mirra, got me kinda emotional. I'm definitely following Nigel.

[@theadventurebiker]

Excellent story, fantastic production!!!!

[@NWJake]

great piece vice!

[@ManofWater]

amazing vid

[@ernieruiz8854]

vice, we need more videos like this !!

[@Metamophisis]

Going in my favorites! He followed his dreams and made his own path!

[@beatarcheologzt]

Doesn't matter what anyone said Nigel Sylvester name will echo on the subway walls and tenements halls of bmx legacy

[@TheIskybussiness]

who?

[@iAnon666]

nigel was just telling his story from his perspective. damn. everyone acting like hes racist smdh

[@sunzofman940]

exactly smh

[@junglemast3r]

Exatcly

[@death.for.breakfast]

Exatcgky

[@pasainchina97]

Thanks for sharing this Nigel, you are greater than you can imagine. Grace is bigger than any pain x

[@briankelley8303]

You are the MAN Nigel, taking the odd route is what makes you a better person your truly humble much love to you an yours!!!

[@jaymezlaflare6027]

EVERYONE LOOK UP " RODEO PEANUT NIGEL SYLVESTER " it will explain more

[@steve82018201]

I love how he says he looks at things while driving by and has incredible ideas about it while regular folk are dumbfounded, but while he is saying this it is showing him doing regular things on flat pavement. Way to go editing department

[@squishya5]

I listen to this everytime and it motivates me to keep riding bmx no matter what

[@itsnicksharpbro]

The legend himself. Incredibly inspiring.

[@Dave....]

A lot of ignorant privileged people in the comments. Met Nigel a couple of times he's a cool dude. It's really inspiring how he took his own lane and made it a success with all the naysayers out there. Salute!

[@sevenalex7176]

The_shadow how ft you know that lol

[@hugopettersson2563]

I felt like shit today but You. You made me go out and ride and I landed 180 bar fakie bar can bar and wall ride fakie!

[@OGMKgaming]

Hugo Bmx congrats bro keep workin and getting better :D

[@os0cold445]

The real Viking sick

[@kahakelii]

Good job Bradda....keep up the practice....your probably beating me in tricks already.....forward Hawaiian.....

[@flawlessbutdysfunctional7787]

Damn I can’t even ride with one hand lol but I’m trynna learn it’s determination but I hate the winter can’t ride

[@mattgreen3696]

wait u did a can can barspin? that's dope!

[@fmfory6]

I remember watching this when I was young!

[@ryanmacias4994]

This was jus some random video I clicked on and I’m already a fan of this guy💯 great success story fr.

[@MarsLonsen]

"i grew up here, my entire life" - nigel sylvester

[@MarsLonsen]

and great vid!

[@DrMurdercock]

This dude did a standing manual off the seat? wtf. I can honestly say I've never seen that. that would not be easy at all, anyone who has done manuals would know lol

[@ObscureNameDigit]

I love watching these inspirational videos, it's all i ever do.

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

Your bio and videos remind me of when we'd go to NY nj as kids. Loved it. Great work

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

HB gt land...

[@anthonybeltran5617]

If i ever see Nigel in the streets i'd holla and keep pushin on ma skate

[@francosantella7113]

Ok this man if officially my favourite BMX rider of all time❤️

[@vAlkemistv]

lool

[@racerrrrrrrrrr]

Very beautiful slowmo

[@68bmx36]

Just luuv this man. He is humble and so down to earth. Respect him so much

[@blockogaming5756]

Down to earth? Nah mate

[@68bmx36]

@@blockogaming5756 ?? ;) If he is not noone is,...Just my opinion

[@itzJKB]

I love all the "why does everything have to be about race" comments haha. Sounds like you guys are about to break into tears lmaooo

[@markmorinishi]

anyone else see the cars moving backwards at 3:15?

[@herirudini4227]

lol

[@potatopatato8008]

The footage was probably reversed

[@chilllife1529]

markmorinishi XD

[@armanimckoy2168]

markmorinishi 😂😂😂😂😂

[@junte_]

That is dunnt

[@davidhey6922]

this motivated me so much

[@neilpro18]

I'm from Granada love your story stomp the competition

[@SchnellVITALVINYLVLOG]

They should've done this with Edwin.

[@BMXinATX]

Adam Schnellenbach fuck yesssssss Edwin and hoder

[@MottaFjotta]

or gabe brooks

[@vitrtorbelfotrt677]

Adam Schnellenbach I was thinking the same. Is he still killing it? I haven't rode in over 10 years. And I remember Edwin killing it. And van homan from criminal mischief

[@SchnellVITALVINYLVLOG]

MottaFjotta Gabe dropped out of the pro life after quitting stranger.

[@SchnellVITALVINYLVLOG]

ViTRTor BelfoTRT Van still kills it watch his X games real Street entry from this year for proof. Edwin just cruises, he'll get a clip every now and again. But Ed is also not really living in that pro life anymore, I mean after Skavenger shit the bed, Robbo gave him a Cult but he is not riding on a pro level anymore sadly but Homan is more savage than ever.

[@you996]

"being a black teenager, you wanna fit in, you want friends and want to be accepted" You mean "being a teenager"?

[@nothing2see315]

can cer Then gets mad a the Mexican kids for misunderstanding his name, people need to lighten up.

[@WorldWendell]

jim fred No he is right, All teenagers have the mindset that they want to fit in.

[@you996]

.

[@jakeaftermath7563]

its different when your black because our people have been brainwashed into thinking that anything extra-curicular is considered "white".

[@hobbskwh]

its his story let him tell it. the more detail included the better the story. but your right all teens can relate.

[@justinbruen2186]

so awesome! very inspiring!

[@Flopsaurus]

Thanks for the solid video VICE

[@badonkatrunk7458]

Yo wat up I live in Jamaica queens too

[@tomgraves9079]

I really do hope people don't look at this and think wow this is bmx

[@rickylovesyou]

@9:30

[@Muldoon111]

What an intelligent and humble young man. Damned good rider too.

[@mixedcombo2968]

Teaches you to keep your head up and you can do anything that makes you happy

[@DrMurdercock]

This dude just tailwhip a bunny hop?!!!!

[@XxdarkentityxX]

Yes many people do it it's called hop whip

[@fondoo]

NY QUEENS REPRESENT!

[@armxniii5710]

I always knew there was something special about him

[@goinhot9133]

My favorite rider since I was a kid trying to get 180s down on the chip and seal road in the country :)

[@bambamkapow8843]

Humble dude

[@grenadePQ]

Aint nothing humble about this guy

[@americanethics]

Props to Nigel for killing it on a bike. I can't imagine doing the tricks he does while weighed down by such a massive ego

[@olipessino6294]

Such a inspirational guy

[@TwinAsh]

I don’t bmx but This inspires me a lot as the only sponsored skater from Botswana 🇧🇼. Keep chasing those dreams

[@marc07112]

own that skate park brotha

[@Freedom-ik2ij]

Great story man, love how u found your passion and persued it. Bmx is not a white sport or any colour, just like any sport.....it's for all races. Happy for u though.

[@willb3698]

Well, that was completely inspirational.

[@Darksagan]

Excellent doc! Very cool story.

[@NeilLB7]

By not fitting in...you did the right thing. Because superstars don't fit in well.

[@SwissKrack]

Everyone complaining about how he made this about race clearly missed the point.

[@markvaldez5481]

Me too mad respect!

[@willdrinnon8702]

this is inspirational

[@JRHobbs]

dude all your clips were either slow motion bunny hops, hop bars, and double dribble tailwhips...

[@daironification]

Somebody ALWAYS has to be hating on someone else. If you're as good of a rider as you're acting to be, go to contest and get noticed lol.

[@JRHobbs]

daironification here ya go have a look kzbin.info/www/bejne/qpPQdWSghrSei9U

[@daironification]

JR Hobbs You're a fantastic rider, also that's one of my favorite songs. Anyhow, stop hating on other people lol. Nobody likes a negative nancy mate! Cheers.

[@biker3762]

xBuddy you're riding at a skatepark just doing flips and flairs thats typical If I wanted see that i would type harry main in LOL nigel is a street rider i want to see you with pegs down rails and big stair sets not ramps. If you can upload a video doing a longer nosemanual then chad KerLey or courage adams i WILL DEleTE MY COMMENT Also im not saying your bad just saying you need to act more humble take thats intoconsdieration REPLY

[@lurkwave]

Exactly my point. Dudes saying this guy doesnt have clout.. gtfo out of here sounding like a hater, Lemme see you do this!

[@user-ts5br1rg5l]

I need weed

[@bob_WRLD]

killerr chris same. Trying to quit. Good luck bro

[@samlocust4600]

quitter means you a broke ass nigga

[@oregontexfyb7757]

Some dank lord u are ?

[@motordays8900]

Me too especially the Jack Frost with a hint of pineapple Express

[@marcusrhodes5732]

Much luv brother ❤️🖤💚✊🏿

[@Rampage-hz7cv]

I really like your story dude. good for you on the come up! :)

[@theslaykng]

I don't want to work 9 to 5 either

[@FancyCaterpillar]

you have 78 subs, slow down

[@upturnedtunic6165]

fizz thats fucked up

[@-_-Code-_-]

"thought would be a better life" .. well you ride a bike for a living so i have a feeling it worked out pretty good for you

[@DVD_VIDS]

Dope video..I'm a skateboarder from Zambia and we go through the exact same thing

[@jamiecox2506]

Brilliant. Fair play to you geezer. Watching this makes me want another BMX at 41!

[@lsaye]

yall are tripping he wasnt saying that bmx is a white sport as a criticism but more so the fact that black kids dont grow up gravitating toward bmx but gravitate towards the stereo typical nfl, nba mlb type sports. and because of this when he wanted to do bmx his black peers did not really get it because of that. smh.

[@TheIskybussiness]

don't try to cover up that this fuck is a racist loser who sucks at bmx so he mad at the white people. Who else he going to blame his fuck ups on? The white man thats who.

[@vandelldudlley4668]

KeMiKiLL. Why are u mad

[@osirissimmons8626]

KeMiKiLL OK I'm a black skater and I have black and white friends who skate and we're a family so the only one being racist is you

[@TheIskybussiness]

sure kid cool story bro.

[@osirissimmons8626]

KeMiKiLL You don't know me so I'm gonna ignore you

[@darkmatternix4571]

That skatepark doesn't even allow bikers, my friends and I had to break into it late at night just to ride

[@OnDUBzProductions]

love Nigel!!, my favorite rider years ago when i used to ride! still a good ass dude

[@ninjasyndicate1512]

I love his GO videos

[@Jacobsmith-tj9oj]

Black kids from queens can have just as successful bmx careers as anywhere else

[@beardedninja8717]

Growing up skating in the 90's and 00's never in my life did I ever see any skater bmx rider or roller blader as a labeled skin tone. Never once did I see a person as being black on a bmx bike or skateboard. I saw people coming together at a place to enjoy what we all enjoyed doing. So sick of this skin color ordeal it's 2016 and we are still talking about this. We are all humans and need to accept that and work together to stop non sense

[@fredgarvinMP]

Bearded Ninja87 White?

[@michaelregan427]

Awesome video, Nigel is an amazing rider hes got an amazing outlook. There are multiple paths to success its about finding the one that works best for you and running with it.

[@marcod.porter9807]

Hi Nigel. First time I'm hearing of you mate. Very inspiring message in your film. More power to you. x