30 For 30 Season 1 Episode 12
30 For 30
Season 1

Ep 12. The Birth of Big Air

  • TV-NR
  • June 29, 2011
  • 52 min
  • 7.0  (817)

The Birth of Big Air is the twelfth episode of the first season of the popular sports documentary series, 30 for 30. This episode chronicles the life and career of one of the most legendary figures in the history of extreme sports, BMX rider Mat Hoffman.

The episode begins by introducing Hoffman as a child growing up in Oklahoma, where he first became interested in BMX riding. We learn about his family life, including his father's disapproval of Hoffman's passion for what he saw as an unsafe and pointless activity. Nevertheless, Hoffman's love for BMX only grew stronger, and he began to gain attention for his incredible skills on the bike.

The episode then picks up in the late 1980s and early 1990s, when BMX riding was gaining in popularity and Hoffman was beginning to make a name for himself on the professional circuit. We see footage of him performing incredible stunts and jumps, defying gravity and pushing the limits of what was thought to be possible on a bike. Along the way, we also learn about the physical toll that BMX riding takes on the body, including the many injuries that Hoffman sustained over the years.

Despite the risks involved, Hoffman continued to innovate and push the boundaries of the sport. He became known for inventing new tricks and stunts, including the infamous "backflip," which was widely considered to be impossible to pull off on a BMX bike. But Hoffman proved his doubters wrong, executing a perfect backflip and cementing his status as a legend in the BMX world.

Throughout the episode, we hear from many of the people who knew and worked with Hoffman over the years, including fellow BMX riders and industry insiders. They speak of his incredible dedication and drive, as well as his willingness to take risks and try new things. We also see footage of some of the most memorable moments from Hoffman's career, including his record-breaking jumps and death-defying stunts.

But The Birth of Big Air is more than just a tribute to Hoffman's achievements as a rider. It also explores the impact that he had on the sport of BMX as a whole, and how his innovations and accomplishments inspired a generation of riders to take their own skills to new heights. We hear from several younger riders who credit Hoffman with inspiring them to pursue BMX riding, including X Games gold medalist Daniel Dhers.

Overall, The Birth of Big Air is a fascinating look at the life and career of one of the most influential and inspirational figures in the history of extreme sports. Hoffman's legacy as a pioneer and innovator in the world of BMX riding is clear, and this episode of 30 for 30 does an excellent job of capturing both his incredible accomplishments and the impact that he had on the sport and its fans.

Description
Watch 30 For 30 - The Birth of Big Air (s1 e12) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
30 For 30, Season 1 Episode 12, is available to watch and stream on ESPN. You can also buy, rent 30 For 30 on demand at Disney+, Amazon, Vudu, Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    June 29, 2011
  • Content Rating
    TV-NR
  • Runtime
    52 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.0  (817)