Pedaling towards the 2032 Olympics through pure determination

Joseph Guenzler
Joseph Guenzler Published February 23, 2024 at 5.15pm (AWST)
qld

Racing BMX since she was a toddler, Holyee-Ann Jackson's journey is a testament to her unwavering determination and hard work.

As she gears up for her upcoming competition in the USA in April, the 14-year-old Biripi sensation is on the path to realising her dream of competing in the 2032 Olympic Games.

In her BMX journey, competing every weekend locally and globally, Ms Jackson's success relies on her parents' unwavering support.

Financial challenges, including missed events, highlight their sacrifices.

Now seeking donations, Ms Jackson aims to fund travel, accommodation, training equipment, coaches, gyms, nutrition, and gear expenses, so contributions are crucial for her journey.

"I have been racing BMX since I was two and a half years old," Ms Jackson said.

"And I have a dream which is quickly becoming a reality through my hard work and determination in my sport of BMX.

"That dream is the 2032 Olympic Games, held right here in my home country of Australia."

Her mother Angela expressed pride, highlighting Holyee-Ann's remarkable growth and tireless efforts.

"She makes us so proud. She's built so much and worked so hard," she said.

"Shes been at nearly every world title since she was eight.

"She's never made a final (though she she's made many semi-finals) so she's going to be gunning for it this year."

Holyee-Ann Jackson's BMx career has taken her across the globe including USA, Scotland and France. (Image: Australian Sports Foundation)

Holyee-Ann's journey includes winning dual Australian titles in the 12-year Girls Category and 11-12 year Girls Cruiser class at the 2021 BMX Australian Titles in Nerang, Queensland.

Her dominance continued with dual victories at the 2021 BMX Qld Titles in Ipswich, where she claimed titles in the 12 Year Girls Category and 11-12 year Cruiser Girls Cruiser Class on different bikes.

Notably, Ms Jackson earned recognition as the Sportsperson of the Year at Ipswich & Westmoreton BMX clubs in 2021 and secured a spot on the 2022 Auscycling Australian BMX Development Academy.

She represented Australia at the 2022 UCI BMX World Championships in Nantes, France, finishing 9th globally and securing a W9 ranking.

In a display of skill and determination, Holyee-Ann competed in the BMX South Qld Shootout Series, challenging herself in the 13-year Boys class and clinching the series title.

She then continued her winning streak in the BMX State series for 13-year girls and triumphed at the Auscycling Qld's City Challenge.

Her success continued in 2022 with back-to-back dual Qld titles in the 13yr girls 20" class and the 11-13yr Girls Cruiser class at the Auscycling BMX State Championships in Cairns.

Ms Jackson's achievements culminated with a 4th place in Australia in the 13yr Girls 20" category and a consecutive Australian Title in the 13-14yr Girls Cruiser class at the Auscycling BMX Australian Championships.

Junior and Senior Sportsperson of the Year award winners Holyee-Ann Jackson and Jade Lally showcased the international talent in Ipswich. (Image: Lyle Radford)

In 2023, Holyee-Ann's global journey included representing Australia at the UCI BMX World Championships in Glasgow, where she finished 10th in the 13-16yr Girls Cruiser class and 11th in the 14yr Girls 20" class.

Her victories in the 2023 BMX Qld State series further solidified her status, winning the Jnr Superclass Women's class, the 14yr Girls Class, and securing titles in the junior superclass woman class and the 13-14yr girls cruiser class.

Ms Jackson's accolades extend beyond the track, with invitations to speak at the Green & Gold Athletes program and the 2023 Championing Woman in Sport luncheon.

Her inspiring journey, resonates with many, making her a finalist for the Ipswich City Council's Junior Sportsperson of the Year and the recipient of the Young, Black & Proud scholarship in 2023.

Not only does Ms Jackson want to achieve at the highest level in BMX, she intends to become a mentor to young people, particularly Indigenous women struggling to find their path.

"I want to be a leader for everyone, especially women because a lot of people dont know how to speak up and take control," she said.

"I want to have something I can fall back on after my BMX career."

Ms Jackson has been working with, and drawn inspiration from, renowned mentors such as Tracey Thompson and Kirra Muggeridge of IronTraks, and Katrina Robertson from the Women's Sports Academy.

"They've helped me out a lot. They've taught me a lot of things," Ms Jackson said of Iron Traks and Women's Sports Academy.

Supporters can visit the Australian Sports Foundation to donate.

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