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Photo - Jayden Jessup.
Courtesy Andy McGechan:
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That phrase could easily have been coined for young Yamaha motocross racer Jayden Jessup. Just over three years ago, the Wellington rider crashed while out practising near his Hutt Valley home, badly breaking his leg.
“The bone was sticking out and he was crying because the injury meant that he couldn't race the junior nationals the following weekend. He was in incredible pain, but wasn't giving that any thought,” said his father Paul.
After an operation to insert a metal rod into his damaged femur (thigh bone), he was confined to walking with the aid of crutches.
But then the effervescent Jessup suffered a set-back on his road to recover when he crashed again, this time losing control of his crutches while jumping about on them. The second spill was serious enough to bend the rod that had been imbedded in his leg. His doctor told him that he probably should not attempt to race again.
“But he hadn’t counted on Jayden’s determination,” said Paul. “The body heals quickly and he has a very strong body and mind and, besides that, couldn’t wait to get back on his Yamaha.”
Now, 18 months later, the 14-year-old is back to the top of his game and running with the leaders in the junior 125cc class.
He is currently New Zealand No.4 in his class, a testimony to his strength of will.
At the annual Taupo Motocross Extravaganza over Labour Weekend (October 23), Jessup finished 3-2-2 in the tough 12-14 years 125cc class, edged out by fellow Yamaha ace Jesse Donnelly (Paraparaumu).
