Van Homan was recently inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame in his home of Salem County, NJ. Not only is he the first BMXer ever to be included, but he’s also one of the youngest people ever to be recognized. Not bad. I thought I’d ask Van himself a few questions about the event. To read the related newspaper article click here.

How did you find out about this Hall of Fame deal?
Well I guess my uncle brought my name up and set them some info on me a few years ago. I just got a call a few months ago and they told me they were putting me in the Salem County Sports Hall of Fame. Apparently my name was tossed around for the past few years but they decided to pull the trigger this year.

What other kinds of people were being inducted into the Salem Hall of Fame?
Most of the guys were older or dead. That’s more what you would think of when you think of a hall of fame but I guess they figured I had accomplished enough in my career so they put me in. There was a golfer and baseball player from the 40’s. In the past they have recognized bull riding so I guess its not that wild that they recognized bmx.

Weren’t you also the youngest person being inducted?
Yeah I was the youngest in the professional category anyway. They recognized one girl who is really good at a bunch of high school sports.

Why do you think they chose to add you now?
I really don’t know. Maybe the silver at XGames this year helped.

Did you get anything cool like a key to the city?
Haha no. Hopefully this typed of recognition will make it easier to get a park in the long run.

Wasn’t the presentation done inside the building where you did a massive roof gap? (in Criminal Mischief)
hahaha yeah it was. The roof I took off of was where the thing took place. Pretty funny actually.

Do you think any of the presenters realized that?
I’m not sure someone mentioned it to me afterwards so I think some people actually might have known about it. It makes me feel weird when non bmxers talk about that stuff so I just kind of be quiet and play dumb.

Do you think this means the general public is starting to recognize bmx as a legitimate sport?
Like I said hopefully more parks and less hassles for riders.

Photo by Mike Clarke. Congratulations Van!