This woman should be an inspiration to us all of what we can achieve if we really put our minds to it. After watching her land the third backflip in the world (female bmx) at Woodward West in October, I wanted to find out more about what makes this wonder woman tick.

After reading her journal entries on her website (ariellemartin.web1000.com) I began to see what a determined and focused person this talented athlete really is. With each new athlete I meet I am more and more in awe and respect of the dedication and determination they possess. And Arielle is no exception...

She received her first bike at age 2 and had that conquered in no time. She began racing at age 5 because her parents wouldn't let her race before that age (imagine that! silly parents!) and has been on a whirlwind tour ever since. She competed in her first national race at age 10, and won her first national title at age 14. Having won 4 national #1 titles, and turning pro at age 15, along with some amazing contest results, this woman is on fire!

But along with these accomplishments, have been what should have been setbacks but instead have been stepping stones for her along the way. I guess along with greatness comes the potential for injury and Arielle has really had some serious ones. In one major wreck, she crushed her liver, and bruised her lungs and kidneys (eeeww!!) This resulted in internal bleeding and her being out of commission for a while. But in true Arielle style her recovery time was minimal and she was on her way again.

Besides the first major injury, she also broke her back in 2 places, but this became a turning point for her to really focus on strengthening her torso so she could continue racing even when she was told that she could never ride again.

This woman is TOUGH. She took a couple slams at Woodward before landing the back flip and I was thinking, "I can't believe she's walking away from that". Focus and determination must be the two words she lives by, cause she got back up without a word and went for it again. Amazing.

But being gnarly isn't all Arielle is about. She has a great desire to work with kids and has taught numerous bmx clinics. She also loves to write and plays the piano and guitar. She says she loves working out also as she knows shes strengthening her body and pushes herself to accomplish a little bit more each day. Arielle takes her religion very seriously as well and feels that having a good attitude is very important to being successful.

Arielle has worked with and represented many companies along the way and wishes to thank them for their support. Her current sponsors include Joey Licata and Answer Products, Supercross bikes, Northwest BMX, Zeal Optics, ATI Products, Chris King components, Mawri, Tioga, Voler, and Profile but the year would not have been possible without Kim Fisher of Racegirls, and Jerry Landrum of bmxmania.com.