Strong set for X Games Best Trick challenge

The youngest rider on the X Games freestyle roster, Aussie Jackson Strong is aiming to factor in the medals in Los Angeles in what will be closely-contested Best Trick field.

Strong, 19, from Lockhart, has worked tirelessly to perfect his signature move, the gravity-defying front flip, and is hopeful of impressing the judging panel by landing it in front of a pumping Staples Centre crowd tomorrow.

Entries in a number of the various freestyle motocross categories at the 2010 event brought about Strong’s undoing, with an early practice crash and subsequent concussion ruling him out of the running.

He has set his sights on one category in 2011 and will only be satisfied with gold in what many call the Olympics of action sports.

“I opened the year with a few tours and shows but have really knuckled down in the past few months and spent time at home training and working on the trick,” said Strong.

“It’s good to go in there knowing I can do this. I’ve landed it a bunch of times at home and the last few practice sessions in the Metal Mulisha compound foam pits this week.

“I don’t remember much about my crash last year, I was out cold for a full 2 minutes so I consider this my first real shot at it.

“It’s great to see so many Australians in the lineup, it shows just how strong the sport is at home and how competitive we are.

“This will be tough but it is the big one that everyone wants to win and I feel like I’ve worked hard enough to make it happen.”

Strong shot to the sport’s forefront last year after becoming the first rider to land the front flip ramp-to-ramp over 85 feet.

The Best Trick category will be contested from 6.15pm (PT) on Thursday July 28, which is 11.15am (EST) in Australia.