BMX rider has eyes on prize

PLENTY OF SUPPORT: BMX champion Amy Martin, 15, is No1 in New Zealand for her age group, but needs to raise money if she is to take the next step and compete at the world champs in Rotterdam. She is pictured with sponsors Sophie Hansen from MediaWorks, George Miller from Mogul, Caroline Short from Short Construction, Jo and Kaine Wilson from Harcourts; and her parents (front) Neil and Jodie Martin. PHOTO/GLENN TAYLOR HBT141916-02

She has her long-term sights set on the Olympics in 2020, but for now BMX rider Amy Martin's goal is to win her grade at the world championships in July.

There's no doubt about the 15-year-old Iona College student's talent and dedication - but she needs support from the community to raise $8000 to get to the champs in Rotterdam and cover costs of training outside Hawke's Bay, where there is no track for her to use.

Martin is the country's top 15-year-old female rider, representing not only Hawke's Bay, but New Zealand - though she's not content to stop there.

Already she has met and taken advice from the likes of Sarah Walker, 25, who won silver in the women's BMX at the 2012 London Olympic Games.

"She told me to chase my dream," she said. "She is a huge inspiration to me - us Kiwi girls are gutsy enough to compete against the world and do our country proud."

Every weekend Martin travels with parents, Jodie and Neil, to training grounds throughout the North Island - spending hours in the car to push herself on tracks with varying degrees of difficulty.

After school every day, she could be found on Marine Parade or the Havelock Hills doing sprints to build fitness. "It takes a lot of hard work with rigorous training every day but I am really determined."

With help from her mentor and trainer, Auckland rider Michael Bias - whom she contacted through Facebook - the young rider was honing her unique style and building confidence.

"I was excited when he messaged back saying he would train me. He's quite competitive. I learned all my dedication from him."

Martin bought her first BMX bike from AvantiPlus in Hastings, having saved about $500 in Christmas and birthday money. Her parents only found out about the purchase when she approached them for $100 to complete payment.

"I just wanted a BMX bike, I used to go to a track with my friends when I lived in Havelock North, just on a mountain bike which was pretty cool."

A few rides later, a Hawke's Bay BMX club member suggested she test the waters on other tracks - that was just 18 months ago.

Already she had Hawke's Bay business people behind her, including Kaine and Jo Wilson from Harcourts.

"She's just a humble, well mannered young lady, who deserves the support of her community," Mr Wilson said.

Mogul's George Miller was also on board to help the local lass take on global competition.

"With the bike track being built in Hawke's Bay, it could become a BMX hub and Amy would be the golden girl - it's really great for the region."People can donate at: www.makeachamp.com/amymartin