Maris Strombergs: Olympic Gold Medalist and Murrieta Resident

While Maris Strombergs continues to win Olympic gold for his home country of Latvia, his second home, Murrieta, has been quick to claim him.

Strombergs, 25, accepted an invitation Tuesday to be recognized with a city of Murrieta proclamation.

"We wanted to do this because he is a Murrieta resident and we like to celebrate things like this," said Murrieta Mayor Doug McAllister.

Strombergs is a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Men's BMX Cycling. He won gold in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China, when the sport made its Olympic debut. He defended the title by winning gold again in August at the 2012 London Olympics.

Here is a Q & A with Strombergs:

Patch: What made you choose Murrieta?

Strombergs: It was always my dream to move to America when I was a little kid. After I won in Beijing I had that opportunity because I had that offer from an American bicycle company, Free Agent. I signed a contract and my team manager used to live here in Murrieta. So after I moved I stayed with him for the first year and I kind of ended up liking it and I got my own place in Murrieta, not too far from his.

Patch: Do you have a track on your property?

Strombergs: No. I always go ride at Lake Perris, Bellflower or Orange. When I am home, I like to just get away from things—I don't want to have anything to do with BMX, no track in the backyard.

Patch: How do you think you managed to win the two gold medals?

Strombergs: That's a good question. Obviously it is a lot of hard work. My coach has helped me a lot. And just getting myself ready, not just physically but mentally as well. I think he is the big reason.

Patch: How long have you lived in Murrieta and what do you think of it?

Strombergs: Three years. I came in 2009. I like this town. A lot of people probably say what are you doing here? Again, there are not many distractions, so I can just focus on training, which is good. I like the weather. It's nice. The track is not too far away and it is not too busy here. I can see myself living here.

Patch: What do you have on your tattoos? It looks like you have a lot of BMX.

Strombergs: That is another thing when you move to America, you get addicted to those things.

Patch: What is the climate like in Latvia?

Strombergs: You get a lot of snow. In winter it gets pretty cold. We have four seasons. That is why I like it here. It's perfect weather for training.

Patch: You are pretty famous there, aren't you? (In 2011, he was voted Latvia's "Second Sexiest Man Alive.")

Strombergs: Yeah, it's a small country—2.5 million people and I am the only one who has done it twice. So when I go home, people everywhere pretty much recognize me. It is cool.

Patch: Do you plan to stay around Murrieta for a while?

Strombergs: I don't know yet. I am thinking about actually moving to Florida next year. Just for a few years, and then when I am done racing I am probably going to move back to California. I think I am going to end up back here.

Patch: Do you have a favorite beach?

Strombergs: I like going to Huntington Beach but to be honest I don't have too much time off. There's still a lot to do. I just went to Disneyland—nice place. And the zoo. Actually I like Sea World in San Diego. That is a nice place.

Patch: Have you felt any earthquakes?

Strombergs: I felt a real, real small one at my house. I was on my way to the airport anyway so I just ran outside, just got scared. That was the only time.

Patch: How did you feel about the city recognizing you?

Strombergs: I think it is cool. They emailed me through my website. I never check that email. My friend from Latvia does the website, so he forwarded it. Then I emailed them back. I get it. I come from a small town and from a small country. The town where I grew up is way smaller than Murrieta, only 25,000 people.

Patch: Have you talked to any of your American competitors who race with you?

Strombergs: Yeah, we keep in touch. Actually just a few days ago one of the fastest guys in BMX passed away. Kyle Bennett, he lives in Texas and passed away in a car accident. He was in the Olympics with me in 2008. He was 33 now, he had a little baby, a 4-year-old daughter. It is kind of sad.

Patch: Sorry to hear that.

Patch: What would you say to younger people who may look at you as a role model—who may want to be like you and win a medal someday?

Strombergs: I go to schools and talk to kids. And I always want them to remember three things: it's hard work, believe and surround yourself with good people. I think that's the secret to success.