Raquels story.
The Early days: It all started for Raquel decades before she was born, both her father and Grand Father raced BMX, Achieving success and Multiple National Rankings. It was no surprise She first arrived at a BMX track only a few weeks old. She started with Balance bikes before her 2nd birthday and moved on to the next size bike at age 5 - she was a pedal biker.
Age 5: As the granddaughter of a track operator, she spent a lot of time at the BMX track, just having fun, riding when she wanted too and making 100's of friends. Raquel never was concerned about her performance; she just wanted to look cute and have fun. At the age of 5 her family noticed a curve in her spine.
Age 10: After 5 years of treatment for scoliosis that included torso bracing, she needed her 1st spine surgery. Attaching magnetic movable rods to her spine was the best option but it was only temporary, she spent 6 months in a back brace! No swimming, no running, no jumping, no carnivals, no amusement parks, no overnight sleepovers (we snuck a few in) AND NO BIKE RIDING. Once cleared from her doctor in mid-August 2021 all she wanted to do was ride and race her bike. The road to recovery was tough, she had some physical setbacks but also in her early years of BMX, she never had the taste of victory! but ...... that was about to change, she was riding every day, going to races with her Parents and her grandparents. Her paw (Grand Father) was her best friend and biggest supporter as he was for every kid. As the years came and went Raquel slowly but undeniably got better and better achieving her intermediate status. Her Paw Paw was so proud of her and celebrating her move up was a real joy for them both. Tragically Raquel lost her grandfather in the summer of 2023. The guy who made BMX possible for 1000's of kids was Gone. Raquels biggest supporter and believer was gone forever. This setback was greater than we realized as everything changed for her. The heartache was real for us all, but Raquel had a special piece of her stolen from her and her heart broken forever. Her new pre-race ritual has a quick prayer for her grandfather to watch over her and her opponents.
2024: Then came the 2024 season - 13-year-old Raquel would get all her wins in 1/2 a season - turning expert on the 1 yr Anniversary of her grandfather’s passing! no better way than to get that win. That victory was followed by a full factory sponsorship representing the Crit Plate Factor team and 401 made, setting up her first national podium only a couple weeks in as an expert. As the year continued the lap times, speed and skill progressed fast. leading up to November 2024 when her final back surgery was scheduled, leaving Raquel with a fused spine and almost no basic balance or range of motion. Although The year ended with a district Title This road to recovery was a harsh one - at times it felt impossible.
2025: brought us brand new bikes, new riding style (fused spine kids ride different) a truck load of discouragement. Riding hurt, the skills she had were gone and we needed to start all over. She never gave up - we met Dominic, our professional coach, and the hard work started. A disciplined workout routine and a dedicated diet was a great start. Lots of riding time and 3 elite pro clinics (w/ 2 Olympians) started to build confidence back up. Now with new understanding of how her spine works we are on the gas. Reaching for big goals and we need your Support. Raquel has several large events scheduled in 2025 and she needs your support to get there. in addition to Fundrazr we take Venmo @Donald-Olson-37
