By Staff

For over two decades, AMSOIL Arenacross has been known as a male-dominated sport. However, for thelast two seasons Vicki Golden has changed that perspective, breaking the glass ceiling and becoming one of the sport’s most inspiring figures and a true breakthrough athlete.

The sport of arenacross requires riders to navigate tight, technical tracks filled with various air-inducing obstacles and physically demanding terrain while experiencing extended periods of maxed-out heart rate. Moreover, the dirt bikes used to compete weigh over 200 pounds and have enough power to pull a person off the seat.

Since bursting onto the scene in 2011, Golden has overcome the odds and is paving new ground for female athletes in the process.

Unlike virtually every other sport in the world, AMSOIL Arenacross is an avenue where women are openly welcomed to compete against men, should they be fast enough. However, based on the pure physical elements of the sport, it caters to men who traditionally posses the increased strength and stamina to be successful.

Research has shown that AMSOIL Arenacross athletes possess a fitness level comparable to that of an elite soccer player. However, riders are also engaged in competition with one another at high speeds while navigating their motorcycle through various jumps and turns on the track, which only magnifies the stamina necessary to compete.

While the women’s motocross segment of the sport is strong and continues to grow, there has never been a female rider fast enough to qualify to compete alongside men. Despite her much smaller stature that only accentuates the challenge and demands set forth in competition, Golden has still thrived where many have come up short, including hundreds of men.

During her rookie season in 2011, Golden became the first woman in dirt-bike racing history to ever compete alongside men in professional competition of any kind. The California native received instant recognition, both within the industry and throughout the country for effectively breaking down the sport’s gender barrier. She achieved success, making more and more history along the way, and gained valuable experience.

“To me it wasn’t about making history,” explained Golden. “Arenacross was a new opportunity for me and I just went with it. I love racing and I want to win at anything I set my mind on doing. I gave it everything I had and I ended up doing something that had never been done before. It’s definitely cool, but it’s really about the challenge for me.”

That same summer, Golden captured the gold medal in Women’s Moto X at the ESPN X Games, which features a track similar to that of AMSOIL Arenacross, featuring high-technicality in a small space. With the victory, Golden displayed a true talent for the unique layouts of AMSOIL Arenacross, proving her groundbreaking experience in the championship paid off.

While injuries ultimately hindered her first full-season of AMSOIL Arenacross competition last year, Golden still remained one of the sport’s most beloved figures and has continued to be a trailblazer, inspiring females of all ages to chase their dreams.

“I definitely think it’s cool to be a role model for any young rider, boy or girl,” said Golden. “It would mean so much to know that what I’m doing has inspired someone else to pursue racing dirt-bikes as their dream. If I’m proof that dreams can come true that’s awesome, because I am fortunate enough to be doing what I love and I’ll never take that for granted.”

This past summer, a fully-healthy Golden returned to the site of her greatest success at the X Games and successfully defended her crown, earning her the moniker “Golden Girl.” The triumph also meant Golden shares the distinction of the winningest rider in X Games Women’s Moto X history with fellow groundbreaking women’s motocross competitor Ashley Fiolek. An inspirational athlete in her own right, Fiolek is regarded as the most recognizable female athlete in the sport by becoming a champion despite being born profoundly deaf. It’s prestigious territory for Golden, who is a familiar rival of Fiolek’s.

“What Ashley has done for women in motocross is incredible,” said Golden. “She’s a great competitor and obviously an inspiration. To be compared to her in any way means a lot to me and to share such a cool achievement with her is amazing. I only hope that I’m able to accomplish as much as she has on the track.”

For 2013, Golden will continue her fight for success, which she hopes results in even more history than what she’s already made.

“I’ve really just gotten started in my path for arenacross,” concluded Golden. “I want to start challenging for wins and there is nothing more important to me than winning a championship. I wouldn’t be out there if I didn’t think I was capable of it. Like I said, this isn’t about making history for me, it’s about being the best in my sport and that’s the only thing I’m focusing on this season.”

Golden truly is a one-of-a-kind athlete in one of the most unique sports on the planet, where the sky is the limit as to what she is able accomplish as a pioneering figure.

Special thanks to Brandon Short of  Next Level Sports Management