KAMELI Jones competed in the Tasmania BMX National Championships on November 21-27, came second in both races, and has qualified to compete internationally next year.
The 16-year-old racer, who came second in both the 16s girls race and in the junior superclass women’s race, said it isn’t the first time she’s excelled in the national BMX scene.
“When I was seven years old, my first time at the track after doing gymnastics for about 18 months, I realised I just wanted to do BMX… I’ve done a couple national championships too,” she said.
“I raced in the 2015 nationals, and I didn’t make the final or anything in that, I raced in the 2017 nationals and got tenth, and then I raced last year in nationals, and I got second in that as well.”
Kameli trains out of the Caboolture BMX Club and although she isn’t too sure what events she will compete in next year as she finishes year 12, she is sure on her future in the sport.
“I love everything about BMX, I definitely want to ride BMX professionally once I graduate from high school,” she said.
“I love the adrenaline, going fast, jumping, learning new skills all the time, and not many people know about the sport so it’s different when people ask me about what I do.”
She also revealed to GC&M News that she has received a special opportunity which points her in the right direction to make BMX riding a career after graduating high school.
“I’ve been on a development squad for 12 months, and yesterday I was offered a position on their factory team which is a full sponsorship deal,” Kameli said.
“So, they will cover the costs for things like my bikes, clothes and championships entry fees.”
Kameli also hopes to compete in the 2026 commonwealth games, which is her main long-term goal right now.