Athlete Spotlight
David Madden is just like any other 11-year-old.
David Madden, Jr., 11, is in the Athlete Spotlight.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
He likes to go fast, jump high and win.
Madden does a lot of all those, but he does it all on two wheels.
The Evans Middle School pupil recently won the National Bicycle League BMX Regional Championship, which was held in Albany, Ga.
"We're so proud of him," said his father, David. "He really took a liking to the sport, and it grew into a passion."
Madden Sr. said he got his children involved with the sport because his job keeps him on the road throughout the week.
"It was hard for my kids to play baseball, basketball or football because I am not home to see the games through the week," he said. "BMX riding was a sport he and his brother could participate in that would allow me to follow and watch. It also gave me a chance to spend time with them."
Little did his father know that Madden would become exceptional at the sport.
When Madden won the regional championship in October, he claimed the crown over 168 riders from nine states.
Currently, he is ranked No. 1 in points for the Rookie 12 series.
In addition to the Regional Championship, Madden won the Thanksgiving National in Morristown, Tenn., during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend and finished second in the U.S. Open Invitational, held the same weekend in Morristown.
"It's just real fun," said Madden, an honor roll student. "I really like the travel, and I love the competitions."
Madden Sr. said the travel to competitions doesn't bother him, but his wife isn't "the biggest fan of traveling every weekend."
Sponsorships have helped the Maddens pay for travel and competition fees.
"Without them, it would be really tough on us financially," he said.