Nic Long is the underdog to watch during this year's Olympics

This isn't Nic Long's first Olympics, but it does represent a clean slate for the pro BMX rider. His run at the 2012 games was stressful to say the least.

As he notes, "I had some injuries to deal with and I ended up being the coach's pick. When they announced the team it made the past few years worth it. It was a huge relief but I let myself down at that one I think."

SEE MORE: Everything you need to know about the Summer Games

And while he didn't place at the last Olympic games, his loss has only served as motivation for the young athlete to train harder than ever in the hopes to win one of the highest honors in the sports world.

Ask Long and this game isn't just about wearing a gold medal around his neck, it's about redemption; "For Rio, I'm mostly looking forward to redemption. The last one I feel like I made it and that was the accomplishment. But this one is really for me."

Long will be vying for his redemption in the Men's individual BMX race on Wednesday August 17th. But before you see him race for his second chance, learn a little more about the athlete himself.

We recently had the chance to sit down with Nic Long. Ahead, find out where he first discovered his love for the sport, what his hopes are moving forward into the 2016 Rio Olympics, and more!

#YouShouldKnow is a feature that showcases rising talents. To see more past interviews, including more athlete exclusives, click here.

When did you first fall in love with BMX?
My dad just took me up to the track one day -- there was a local track in Lakeside -- and we played Little League Baseball but my dad wasn't the biggest fan of team sports. I was riding bikes all day anyways because we had jumps near us and I just fell in love. My mom made me buy my first bike so I stuck with it, and I've been doing it ever since.

When did you decide you wanted to pursue BMX professionally?
Right after high school. I kind of knew that I wanted to either work or go to school and I had to make the BMX my career and job really.

Was going to the Olympics something you dreamed of as a kid?
It was something I did dream about as a kid. It wasn't in the Olympics until 2008 but my dad always told me it would be. So it was always a dream in my head to be there.

Take through when you first realized you qualified for the Olympics back in 2012?
That one was a super stressful year. I had some injuries to deal with and I ended up being the coach's pick. When they announced the team it made the past few years worth it. It was a huge relief but I let myself down at that one I think.

What's was your biggest takeaway from the 2012 games?
I think the way the village operated and the buzz that surrounded it. Plus, I got to meet and see athletes I had grown up watching.

What does your training schedule currently look like leading up to the games?
I do track work four times a week, maybe even five. Then I'll hit the gym as well maybe four or five times week. I'll also I do core and yoga maybe five times a week.

Has your training changed since you qualified for the Olympics?
It will change a little bit. My coach is actually here from New Zealand and he's helped me out after making it. We're going to do a power block here soon, and really build up my strength before the games starts. And then once it gets closer, our training will really get explosive.

Who were your role models -- either on or off the track -- growing up?
I never really watched any other professional sports, so I loved watching Kyle Bennett. He's an awesome rider and a great friend of mine.

What's your headspace going into the Rio game.
For Rio, I'm mostly looking forward to redemption. The last one I feel like I made it and that was the accomplishment. But this one is really for me.

%shareLinks-quote="For Rio, I'm mostly looking forward to redemption. The last one I feel like I made it and that was the accomplishment. But this one is really for me." type="quote" author="Nic Long " authordesc="" isquoteoftheday="false"%

What was the reaction like from families and friends when you qualified?
2012 was a rough season. I had some crashes and injuries and I didn't do too well at the trail race. This one, I feel like everyone saw that I was really prepared and was doing well at the races. Everyone was ready for it, I guess.

What's going on in your mind during a race?
I keep everything really simple. I'll go through the whole track when I'm sitting on the gate and visualize it all. When I'm on the track, I stick with a clear mind as much as I can and take things one jump at a time.

Do you have any pre-race rituals?
David Herman has a ton and I think they're really funny. I give him such a hard time. I have a little saying that's just maps out how I'm going to do my race in a few words and I run that through my mind, but that's it really.

What advice do you have to other aspiring BMX riders?
Honestly to have fun with it. Go out and ride a bike because you want to and you enjoy it, not because someone else is telling you. Riding a bike is the best part of my day.

%shareLinks-quote="Riding a bike is the best part of my day." type="quote" author="Nic Long " authordesc="" isquoteoftheday="false"%

What's the one advice you wish you had received before going pro?
Probably save your money. I'm just awful at saving money.

For more on this year's Olympics, scroll through the gallery below:

More from AOL.com:
Afrojack on Ultra Miami, collaborations and how he wants to fix meet and greets
James Corden shares his 'Carpool Karaoke' wishlist
Bryan Cranston becomes Lyndon B. Johnson in 'All the Way' trailer