I discovered BMX at the age 11 when a local racer asked if I wanted to help build a track in the field behind my house. I jumped at the chance and spent a lot of time riding back there that summer, but I didn't officially start racing for three more years. My first race was at Casino Beach in Lake Worth, TX, and I managed to come away with a big win in the 14 novice class that day.That was the summer of 1986. I turned Expert a few years later, and then turned pro in 1990. After three nationals and even a few wins, I joined the Army, where I proudly served four years shooting big guns as an artilleryman. In 1994, I resumed racing full-time and turned AA (Elite) in August of 1995. In 2002, I joined the Vet Pro ranks where I stayed for thirteen years. 2015 marked a new chapter in my career as I rejoined the amateur ranks in Expert and Cruiser. BMX has given me a life I could have only dreamed of! I've had the opportunity to experience many different cultures and have made life-long friends all over the globe. I hope to share my passion for riding and help racers of all ages pursue their goals and reach their full potential through the Berm Academy clinic program. Accomplishments: 2002-2007 ABA #1 Vet Pro 2006 UCI Challenge World Champion 30 and over Men/35-39 Cruiser 2007 UCI Challenge World Champion 35-39 Cruiser 2007 NBL Masters Champion 2015 USA BMX National #1 Cruiser

Emma Padovano Age-11 Brooks, GA Currently in Middle School My name is Emma Padovano. I'm 11 years old. I compete in BMX racing. I started racing in March 2011 and have not stopped since that day. I train everyday to be the best that I can be. I have been on Factory Potter Plates racing team for 4 great seasons, and have several co-sponsors including Dans-comp, EVS, and Big Daddy's. I also run cross country and 5ks competitively; I run a sub 7 minute mile. I also do most of the mechanic work on both of my bikes. My current local track is Peach-tree City BMX where I mentor and help the new riders learn how to ride the sport of BMX. I decided to resign from Potter Plates to explore other options and expand my racing career. Goals for 2015 Get NAG in both classes Make main in grands in both classes Experiences 2011- NBL novice/rookie rider 2012- move to USABMX girls class- started racing nationals 2013- 10 girls- State #1 district #1 with 21 wins Started racing cruiser 10&under girl cruiser- state #1 2014- 11girls- state #1 District points with over 10,000 points and 37 wins East Coast DK Gold Cup Champion NAG 9 11-12 girl cruiser State #1 District #1 with 17 wins East Coast DK Gold Cup #2

Residence: Fayetteville Ga. Class: 10 Intermediate Bike: Chase 20 Inch Hyper Cruiser Number: 107 Home Track: Peachtree City BMX Fav. track other than PTC: Chehaw Albany GA. Fav food: Pizza Fav movie: RAD Team: TNT Sponsors: Mom Dad Sharp Shooter Marketing Chris Gibson Homes