PHOENIX — Over the weekend the Winter Nationals at the Black Mountain BMX track returned to Phoenix. The competition is a 40-year tradition for the Valley.
One of the competitors is 21-year-old Lexis Colby from Surprise, Arizona.
Despite a bad crash for Colby, she’s still staying strong, before heading to New Zealand to compete next weekend.
Colby is one of hundreds of professional and amateur BMX riders from around the world to come to Phoenix for the Nationals, a stop on the USA BMX series.
“It’s super exciting,” said Colby, who is working toward getting a coveted spot on the USA Worlds BMX racing team.
“There’s three spots, there’s five of us going at it,” she said. “But it should be fun.”
Colby is also on the USA Cycling National Team.
Unfortunately, she had a bad crash when she was racing in the Women's Pro Class on Friday.
"Took a little bit of a spill,” she said. “Yeah, sometimes it works like that… nothing’s broken. Just a little bruised up, but we’re all good.”
Colby decided to take the remainder of the weekend off to rest up for an upcoming trip to New Zealand next weekend.
“Yes, it’s exciting,” said Colby. “For a couple World Cups, and then we’re off to Australia after that, so it’ll be fun.”
Colby grew up doing BMX racing ever since her dad took her to the tracks.
“He took me out here for the first time when I was four years old,” she said. “I fell in love with it and I’ve been doing it ever since.
Colby isn’t letting that crash slow her down. She’s still at the tracks, cheering on fellow racers while inspiring the next generation.
She’s thankful for her coaches who she says taught her all the basics growing up.
The track operators, who coached Colby growing up, are proud to see her accomplishing so much.
“A perfect example of what a role model should be,” said Karl Clark, track operator.
“She has just grown into such a champ over the years, and I think that has been so fun to watch,” said Bubba Harris, track operator.
Looking ahead, Colby is setting her sights high. She can’t wait to see what her future holds on the track.
“Always be positive and love what you do,” said Colby.
For more information about Black Mountain BMX, click here.
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