Meet Joshua Hartman of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Hartman

Hi Joshua, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Josh Hartman, and I’m from Brooklyn, New York. I was inspired to start racing bikes at the age of 12 by my cousin Randolph Toussaint, an Olympic cyclist. My journey took a dramatic turn when, at 15, I experienced a near-fatal accident that left me in a coma for weeks. I endured a long and painful year of recovery, including healing from multiple facial fractures. I wasn’t about to give up on my dream but despite everything, there was an unexplainable drive inside me to keep pushing forward, even when the odds were stacked against me and despite everyone’s concerns.
Exactly one year after the accident I returned to the sport and won my first road race. That victory reignited my determination and fueled my drive to push harder than ever. Since then, I’ve become a 4-time National Champion and represented Team USA in international racing events. Now, I have my sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. My passion for setting new goals and thriving under pressure drives my commitment to becoming one of the world’s best.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’ve been cycling for over 14 years, and my path has been anything but smooth. My journey has been marked by highs and lows, starting with a near-death, life-changing accident, followed by the inevitable injuries that come with high-performance sports. Every time I get injured, I have no choice but to focus on healing, pushing forward, and returning mentally stronger. For me, it’s about overcoming setbacks, trusting my coaches, my trainers, and my body, and staying committed to my goals, no matter how tough the journey gets.
As a full-time athlete, the lack of financial support makes it even harder. Securing sponsorships has been a challenge, and the pressure to find sponsorships weighs on me daily as I strive to focus on training and pursue my Olympic dream. Training is my full-time job, and it’s tough—especially living in L.A., one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a Track Cyclist specializing in sprint events. “In the Olympic event I compete in, known as the Team Sprint, three riders start from a standstill and race to complete three laps of the track as fast as possible. Each lap, the lead rider peels off, allowing the next to take over until the final rider sprints to the finish line. This event demands explosive power and flawless execution from all team members.”
I am known as the Starter in the Team Sprint—the first rider whose job is to accelerate as quickly as possible and set the pace for the first 250 meters. I need to be incredibly strong and explosive to get up to speed from 0 mph. Currently I have the fastest first lap time from a standing start in the U.S. My goal is to become not just the fastest in the U.S., but the fastest in the world at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Winning my first bronze medal at the 2024 Pan American Championships in Los Angeles, at the Velo Sports Center where I train every day, was an incredibly proud moment. Showcasing the hard work of my teammates and myself in front of a home crowd made the victory even more special. I’m driven to recreate that experience right here in 2028 and make both Los Angeles and my country proud.

What sets me apart is my determination to carry on my cousin’s Olympic legacy while pushing myself to become one of the best athletes in the world. I’m driven to share my journey of perseverance, hoping it inspires others to create positive change in their own lives. When I look back on my career, I want to see my younger self and feel proud, knowing that I never gave up on my dream to become the best athlete I could be.

What does success mean to you?
For me, success comes in many forms. It’s not just about winning races, but about the journey itself. It’s about learning from my failures and turning setbacks into stepping stones. Success is found in setting daily goals, performing under pressure, and pushing my body to its limits, knowing I’ve given everything I had. No matter the outcome, I focus on finding the positives.
Every race, every uphill battle, every victory, and every defeat shapes who I am today. Success to me is also about sharing my journey with others. From my friends, family, and coaches to the strangers I meet, I’m constantly reminded that it truly takes a village. The emotional support I receive gives me the strength to keep pushing forward, and when I win, it’s not just my victory, it’s a win for all of us.
Success also means giving back to the community and inspiring others to chase their dreams, to keep showing up, and to keep moving forward no matter what challenges arise. I currently volunteer with several non-profit organizations, and being an ambassador and volunteering has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Knowing that my story and journey can inspire others brings me immense happiness and fulfillment.
In the end, success is about the little things that positively impact others, often in ways we might never even realize. It’s about lifting each other up and growing into better individuals through the process. The small acts of kindness and support we offer can make a big difference in people’s lives, and in turn, help us become better versions of ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.joshhartman.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshprohartman/?hl=en
• Other: [email protected]