Justin Bieber, Shawn Mendes, PewDiePie and Kieran Reilly, all started as You Tube sensations but only one is favourite for Olympic gold.
Reilly's first brush with stardom came online when videos of him showcasing tricks and stunts went viral. But he could trump that after qualifying for Wednesday’s men's BMX Freestyle final with the top score.
With the Eiffel Tower in the distance, the world champion put down a string of tricks over two runs that laid down a marker ahead of the nine-man final.
READ MORE: Gateshead's BMX star Kieran Reilly promises new tricks at Paris 2024 Olympics
READ MORE:Gateshead's BMX boy wonder going for historic Olympic gold at Paris 2024 games
He finished nearly two points ahead of his nearest rival, American Marcus Christopher, and insisted his confidence was buzzing, especially as it means he'll be last to drop in, knowing what he needs to do.
Videos on Reilly's YouTube channel are titled things like 'I tried a 1080 Whip' and 'Brutal Crash at Insane New Pump Track'.
Gravity-defying BMX is one of those sports you don't really understand but when you watch it down by the best in the world, you know you're in the presence of genius.
"I'm definitely feeling some relief, this was arguably the biggest day," said Reilly.
"If you don't get through to finals, you don't get a shot at that medal. I am just hoping this result is something to follow up in the final.
"Everyone here is going to debut bigger things now. Being in the position I am, I get to see all that go down. I have just got to stay in my lane and execute my run to the best of my ability.
"I had a stellar year last year and I think the only thing I can follow that up with is a medal here. That's the goal coming in. I am really happy with my riding at the moment, let's hope it pays off.
Reilly secured European, world and national titles last year all with a brand new barnet - and wants another gold in Paris to complete the set.
The 23-year-old from Gateshead, who famously pulled off the world’s first gravity defying triple flair, might have a haircut that's 'party in the back' but he's all business on the bike.
“Before the European Games I couldn’t get in with my barber,” said Reilly. “So, I went to a different place and he gave me a taper with no fade – he pretty much gave me a mullet by accident.
“I got some stick from the team the whole week and then I won Euros and I was like ‘alright, almost out of spite, I’m keeping this now’. Then I won Worlds with the mullet, and I was like this is it. This is my good luck charm now, so I’ve said since I’m keeping it."
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