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 Twitch knows first hand the toll that
injuries can take |
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 The difference between riding away and
the hospital is calculated in fractions in FMX |
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 Wiley Fullmer gets some work done in
the medical tent |
Battered But Not Beaten
By Todd Seligman
FMX is the most unforgiving sport in the action sports world. With riders performing their tricks at speeds approaching triple digits and at heights normally reserved for low flying aircraft, the FMX rider’s margin of error is uncompromisingly low.
Ask any FMX rider about injuries and they can give you a laundry list of broken bones and arthroscopic surgeries.
How do these modern day gladiators cope with the injuries that are inherent in their profession?
“Injuries heal but the mental toll takes time to get over.” According to Wiley Fullmer, “Some moves can be like getting bit by a dog… next time you see a dog, you’re a little hesitant.” But according to Jeremy 'Twitch' Stenberg, “You can’t hesitate. That’ll get you in more trouble.”
Sternberg still has a cast on each leg from the two broken legs he received in a competition earlier this year. “I stay positive and just say ‘screw it’ ‘cause you can’t let those thoughts into your head.”
Dustin Miller just returned from a broken elbow suffered just two months previously, which still isn’t at 100%. “I was pretty nervous coming into this event cause I basically haven’t ridden for two months but, I got out there and felt really good, which surprised me.”
As the announcer of almost every major FMX competition, Cameron Steele has been around these riders and seen the difference injuries can make. “It’s these guys’ job to get back on their bikes as soon after an injury as possible. That can make them tentative and you can tell that their timing is a little off. All it takes is that magic day where one thing clicks into place for them, and you can see the change immediately.”
Medical staff is onsite at the major competitions not just to help them if they crash, but also to aid in working out the kinks that keep them from riding 100% just from their daily bumps and bruises.
“This kind of treatment is great when you’re at the competition because you get all stiff,” Wiley Fullmer says as he is getting a chiropractic adjustment. “I don’t do yoga or anything major like that, but this definitely helps.”
According to World Champion Nate Adams, “I don’t go to the chiropractor or anything unless I’m hurt but having them here at an event is key.” When asked how he has managed to stay comparatively healthy, Nate replies “I rely on overall fitness before I get on my bike to give me an advantage when I do crash. When I’m banged up, I’m more timid with my tricks and not as ballsy, so I keep myself in shape to give me confidence.”
Every rider on the course deals with the pains that come with being a professional FMX rider. How they maintain their level of performance through these injuries is amazing. They all acknowledge how vital having full, highly trained, medical staff to insure the best possible treatment is to their riding.
Having these people behind the scenes is one major factor that gives today’s FMX stars the confidence to take the risks that we love to watch.
