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Jacko claims back-to-back X Games gold
Australia's Jackson Strong has doubled up at X Games 2012, claiming his second consecutive gold medal in the MX Best Trick categoryAustralia's Jackson 'Jacko' Strong has claimed back-to-back X Games gold medals, the 20-year-old FMX ace stamping his authority in the MX Best Trick category with a front flip varial he calls, 'The Jack'. Strong also won Best Trick at last year's X Games, with the first ever front flip landed in competition.
Hailing from Lockart in NSW, Strong -- also a rider for Brian Deegan's Metal Mulisha outfit -- landed his new trick perfectly, his score of 91.00 just edging out Japan's Taka Higashino (90.33) and fellow countryman Cameron Sinclair (89.33).
It was a superb victory for Strong, who had been plagued with difficulties in the lead-up to X Games 18, held at Los Angeles' Staples Center from June 28 to July 1.
Strong's friend and fellow FMXer, Luke Stojanovic, sustained serious injuries in a training session crash at Strong's compound in Lockart -- he was still in a coma when Strong left for X Games. At the same time, a processing issue with Strong's US visa delayed his departure -- he only arrived in the US on the Wednesday before the Friday evening's Best Trick competition.
"It was a rush to get here," Strong said after the victory. "So many things nearly prevented me from coming, but it was worth it in the end. I want to dedicate tonight's win to my best mate Luke Stojanovic, who is in hospital back in Australia. I can't wait to get back to hang with you, buddy," he added.
"It was great to finally roll out the new trick," Strong continued. "It has been six months in the making and, to be honest, it's quite a scary one to put down. I put a lot of work into perfecting this jump. I did a week's circus school training to learn the various techniques required for the off-bike movement, backed up by countless hours spent in the foam pit," he said.
Sinclair, who landed a faultless double backflip to secure third, was also happy with his result. Having returned from life-threatening injuries after a crash in Madrid, Spain, in 2009, and with his wife Brooke pregnant with the couple's first child, the 28-year-old rider from Pearcedale, Victoria, was content to leave X Games 18 with bronze, and his third X Games medal in as many years.
"I've been working on doing no-handed double flips for a couple of years on and off and I really thought I could get it done this year, but it wasn't to be," said Sinclair. "I couldn't get it consistent enough in the foam pit this week to take the risk, so I stuck to what I knew I could do and I'm really stoked with the result.
"I'm going to be a dad for the first time in October, and I'm so excited. Tonight I'm going to celebrate, but I'm looking forward to heading home on Monday to be with my family and friends; I'm really grateful for all their support," he said.
Click here to see Strong's gold medal front flip, and click here to see Sinclair's bronze medal back flip.
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Written byBikesales Staff
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