When asked which competition was the most memorable for her, Byford BMX Club’s McKenna Wolf couldn’t pick just one moment.
“This year, at state championships I won the 1WA plate at Bunbury,” she said.
“Or world championship in Copenhagen this year, where I finished 16th in the world but also got to travel Europe with my family.”
Being a 1WA plate-holder means McKenna is at the top spot for Western Australia.
But being at the top in WA wasn’t enough. She wanted to prove she was a top contender at the Sydney national championships last month.
“I got third in my age class (and) fifth in 8-10 cruiser class,” she said.
“That’s two different race bikes – cruiser has larger wheels and a bigger bike.
“I (also) got second in pump track – this was my first time competing in this event.”
Before each race, McKenna remembers the advice Olympic gold medallist Saya Sakakibara gave her.
“I’m always nervous before my race,” McKenna said.
“On the gate, I smile because that’s what Saya Sakakibara told me to do.
“It calms me down and I can focus on winning.”
McKenna said she doesn’t give much thought about BMX being a boys-dominated sport.
“BMX is a boys and girls sport,” she said.
“I’d like to see more girls join so I can make more friends.”
McKenna’s parents Ethan and Jaclyn said they knew from the start, their daughter would excel in sport.
“She’s a very determined little girl with a must-win mentality at everything she does,” mum Jaclyn said.
“We are incredibly lucky that she found something she absolutely loves to harness all that energy into.
“Of course, we are stoked with all her wins over the last three years, but our proudest moment has been watching her personal growth this year.”
Jaclyn said McKenna went through one of her toughest times last year due to a crash which broke her arm.
“She lost the opportunity to ride for her first national plate,” Jaclyn said.
“But her arm was the least of our problems we were about to face – it broke her spirit.”
Jaclyn and Ethan set up casual races with McKenna’s friends Lachie and Bailey to help get McKenna back on her feet.
“She has learnt that it’s okay to lose. BMX is about improvement,” Jaclyn said.
“She’s taken great strides in her BMX this year and with a different mindset, she’s been able to produce some incredible results.”
Now nine-years-old, McKenna has only been riding for three years.
“(She) had natural balance on a bike,” Jaclyn said.
“Although she received a bike much later than other kids, no training wheels were required, she just rode and she loved it.
“Ken was, and still is, a very fast-paced child – she loves all things bikes, motocross, anything extreme.
“BMX to McKenna isn’t just a sport, it’s a lifestyle.”
