WCMX WORLD CHAMPION 2022

Last December, as most people were getting ready for the end of the year festivities, the Swiss WCMX Team flew over to California to compete in the WCMX World Champs.

I had prepared for this event for 2 years - the 2021 edition being cancelled du to the pandemic. I am usually pretty nervous about big comps, but this time I felt ready. Physically I was the strongest I have been since my accident in 2015. I had practice the tricks I really wanted for this event (mostly one-wheel actions) and my sport psychologist had prepared me well for the unavoidable difficulties during the trip. Even my big daft assistance dog Largo seemed more competent than usual so things could go smoothly.

We flew to Los Angeles on Monday, direction Fontana. I enjoyed the parked from day one and as we practised I felt more and more at ease, abled to find spots for most of the tricks I had worked on.

D-day was on Saturday the 17th. Despite some nervousness and not feeling 100% physically, I managed to get some solid runs together and to ride good enough for my best tricks. After some nerves wracking awaiting, the scores finally dropped and a big relief went through my chest: I did it. I was the new World Champ!!

The local young gun, Alicia Montenegro came second a few points behind, while Tracy Garacohea took bronze.

It was also pretty cool to see the two Swiss boys, Dimitri Gross and Emiglio Pargaetzi take 5th and 6th in a male category, won once again by Aaron "Wheelz" Fotheringham.

Big up to James, my soigneur for keeping me fit during the week and sane during the whole year. To head coach Marco and the Swiss wheelchair federation for the opportunities to train and compete in the best conditions. To Guillaume and Fred, my sport psych and physio/athletic coach for their continuous work with me. To all my sponsors who makes this possible And to all my friends who keep me going when life is tough. Thank you!! I owe you a lot!