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ENLARGE
Dakota Senger of Winston is a 13-year-old BMX rider whose success on two wheels has his trophy case filling
up fast. The
student at
Coffenberry Middle School in Myrtle Creek has won two National Age Group titles and was
featured in the ‘Faces in the Crowd' section of Sports
Illustrated.
Dakota Senger might be the most low-key champion around. The 13-year-old competitive BMX rider from Winston doesn't talk much about the time he was featured in the “Faces in the Crowd” section of Sports Illustrated Magazine. Ask the bicyclist about his two National Age Group titles — those being equivalent to NBA championship rings for riders his age — and Senger only offers up a few words.
Just give Dakota a bike, a fishing pole and his family and friends and he's content.
“He doesn't dwell on that stuff,” said Rob Senger, Dakota's dad. “I think I'm more proud than he is. He just loves riding.”
After suffering a serious ankle injury just weeks before a trip to China in 2008, the Factory Redline rider couldn't afford to dwell on the past. With eight small screws, one plate and one large screw holding him together, the Coffenberry Middle School student went to work, determined to race again. Months later, Dakota was holding up a second straight NAG title — the honor was sweeter than any he had ever received before.
“The doctor didn't know if I'd be able to ride again,” Dakota said. “Three months later I was back. It was a special win.”
Dakota, who began racing in 2002, now dreams of becoming an Olympic champion in 2016. After working out at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., he's a step closer than most older riders. BMX racing was introduced as an Olympic sport in 2008. Riders must be at least 19 years old, though.
“Ever since I started riding I hoped it would become an Olympic sport,” Dakota said. “Last year it became one. Ever since I wanted to go to the Olympics.”
Dakota will pursue another ABA Grand National championship — the culminating event in a season points series — in Tulsa, Okla., next month. He trains daily at the BMX track in Dillard, about five minutes from the Senger home, and the family is on the road about 12 weekends a year at competitions.
“I just want to thank my sponsor Redline, my family for supporting me with my racing and my dad especially for helping me with training,” Dakota said.
Senger is currently second in the points race.
“He's put in a lot of work,” Rob Senger said. “He really wants this.”
Dakota isn't just a national champion either. He's secured eight state BMX titles and raced to a UCI World title in Victoria, British Columbia, in 2007. Last season, he suffered his ankle injury three weeks before departing for China and the World Championships. Dakota has competed in Australia and Canada. Next year, he'll be in South Africa riding for another UCI international crown.
Sports Illustrated isn't the only one who's taken notice of Dakota.
Along with appearing inside the pages of the Feb. 2, 2009, edition of the popular sports magazine, he has become an Internet sensation. Some of the videos of Dakota on his bike have drawn thousands of hits on YouTube and other Web sites. He's even been dubbed “The Robot” by his sponsor because of the metal inside his ankle.
The attention has been flattering, Dakota said, but he's just as happy on a boat.
“If I'm not racing, a perfect day would be 75 degrees, sunny and no wind and me outside fishing,” Dakota said.
• You can reach sports reporter Dan Jones at 957-4219 or by e-mail at djones@nrtoday.com
Just give Dakota a bike, a fishing pole and his family and friends and he's content.
“He doesn't dwell on that stuff,” said Rob Senger, Dakota's dad. “I think I'm more proud than he is. He just loves riding.”
After suffering a serious ankle injury just weeks before a trip to China in 2008, the Factory Redline rider couldn't afford to dwell on the past. With eight small screws, one plate and one large screw holding him together, the Coffenberry Middle School student went to work, determined to race again. Months later, Dakota was holding up a second straight NAG title — the honor was sweeter than any he had ever received before.
“The doctor didn't know if I'd be able to ride again,” Dakota said. “Three months later I was back. It was a special win.”
Dakota, who began racing in 2002, now dreams of becoming an Olympic champion in 2016. After working out at the Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, Calif., he's a step closer than most older riders. BMX racing was introduced as an Olympic sport in 2008. Riders must be at least 19 years old, though.
“Ever since I started riding I hoped it would become an Olympic sport,” Dakota said. “Last year it became one. Ever since I wanted to go to the Olympics.”
Dakota will pursue another ABA Grand National championship — the culminating event in a season points series — in Tulsa, Okla., next month. He trains daily at the BMX track in Dillard, about five minutes from the Senger home, and the family is on the road about 12 weekends a year at competitions.
“I just want to thank my sponsor Redline, my family for supporting me with my racing and my dad especially for helping me with training,” Dakota said.
Senger is currently second in the points race.
“He's put in a lot of work,” Rob Senger said. “He really wants this.”
Dakota isn't just a national champion either. He's secured eight state BMX titles and raced to a UCI World title in Victoria, British Columbia, in 2007. Last season, he suffered his ankle injury three weeks before departing for China and the World Championships. Dakota has competed in Australia and Canada. Next year, he'll be in South Africa riding for another UCI international crown.
Sports Illustrated isn't the only one who's taken notice of Dakota.
Along with appearing inside the pages of the Feb. 2, 2009, edition of the popular sports magazine, he has become an Internet sensation. Some of the videos of Dakota on his bike have drawn thousands of hits on YouTube and other Web sites. He's even been dubbed “The Robot” by his sponsor because of the metal inside his ankle.
The attention has been flattering, Dakota said, but he's just as happy on a boat.
“If I'm not racing, a perfect day would be 75 degrees, sunny and no wind and me outside fishing,” Dakota said.
• You can reach sports reporter Dan Jones at 957-4219 or by e-mail at djones@nrtoday.com
