STEPPING UP: Former Gisborne BMX rider Jessie Smith is preparing for the world championships in Belgium. Picture by Kersten van Kerckhoven
BMX
BMX rider Jessie Smith says her feelings were all over the place after she finished fourth in a women’s elite final in Paris.
“I’m slowly accepting the fact I got fourth and it all wasn’t a dream,” she said.
Smith, 18, formerly of Gisborne, said she was “super happy and very proud of myself” but also thankful for the opportunity to race in Europe.
The Hamilton club rider is enjoying her first year on the Supercross World Cup circuit, linking up with London 2012 Olympic silver medallist Sarah Walker and world champion Laura Smulders in the Dutch-based professional team TVE.
Smith’s result in Paris this month stands her in good stead for the world championships in Belgium next month.
It was her first Supercross grand final and the best world cup placing by a New Zealander since Walker’s third in Santiago del Estero last year.
Smith, still a junior in the sport, will compete in the junior elite category in Belgium.
She said the track in Paris was challenging but “my favourite”.
“Technically, it was perfect for me and my skill ability,” Smith said.
The first jump is one of the largest on the world cup circuit and the last straight is technical.
“Initially, I was surprised I made the final and placed fourth but after reflecting and talking with my coach and close friends, they made me realise that I deserved to be in that final.”
She had made the quarterfinals four times previously, so was pleased to get into the semifinals.
Smith said she was “super, super nervous for the final” but deep down knew she could do it.
Trained with some of the world's best BMX ridersTraining with some of the world’s best BMX riders was a big help for her world champs preparation.
“When you want to be the best you seek guidance from the best,” she said.
“Also, being able to race most weekends and against the fastest girls in the world has been a huge learning experience for me.
“I have gained so much knowledge and much-needed confidence heading into the world championships.”
Smith has fond memories of riding on the Gisborne track.
“I learnt all my skills on that track and had some of the best memories as a kid there.”
She and the family were into hockey in Gisborne and friends in that sport suggested they try BMX.
“After one club night we were all hooked and thus began my love for BMX racing at the age of four.
“My siblings were all very successful when they raced. My parents both have official roles at New Zealand races, so they know a lot about BMX and what goes on behind the scenes.
“So, yes, we talk about BMX a lot.”
Smith had success as an amateur rider, winning five world titles and seven national titles.
“Each year I get older, the harder the competition gets — not only physically harder but mentally demanding as well,” she said.
'We are going 60kmh-plus'“When you step up into the junior and elite category, you must take big leaps within your head and on your bike — we are going 60kmh-plus and having to jump 10 to 13-metre jumps.
“So you must be in the right head space to jump but also to race your best race.”
She describes Walker as like a big sister, mentor, mental coach and life coach.
“She has always supported me on and off my bike for a very long time. I consider her family and one of my closest friends.
“I was just a little girl wanting to be as good as her and always looked up to her. To think that now we are training partners — it’s a dream come true.”
Smith says she wants to represent New Zealand at either the 2020 or 2024 Olympic Games.
“We are trying our best to qualify two spots for the 2020 Olympcis but it could quite possibly be only one.”
If given the chance, she would do all she could to “represent myself, my family and country to the best of my ability”.
“If not, then I have another chance in 2024.”