STONEVILLE BMX rider Judd Howard has qualified for the BMX world championships in Copenhagen next year after a string of victories following his competition success in America.

Since the world championships in May, as reported in Stoneville boy at BMX World Championships, Judd has become the state champion by winning the BMX State Championships, finishing first out of 30 other 10-year-old boys.

Judd also finished the national series on top out of 60 other riders from across the nation.

He also won the National Championships held in Balcatta, achieving the fastest lap and gate of the day while racing 47 other riders, which automatically qualified him for Copenhagen next year.

Judd’s mother Shenae Howard said she didn’t want her son’s passion to become all work as the enjoyment was an important aspect too.

“Judd is a normal kid and enjoys riding any of his bikes, so we will endeavour to keep up the fun with the usual training with his coach Khalen Young, an ex-Olympian,” she said.

“Judd also trains under Kate Kendrick, in the ROAR program which focuses heavily on athletes’ mental health and wellbeing and is extremely beneficial for Judd.”

The track of being a BMX athlete wasn’t without challenge though, and Ms Howard said Judd has had to overcome injury in his journey to qualify for Copenhagen.

“Judd has been able to overcome the pressure that comes with backing up the national title, as well as injuries,” she said.

“He slipped a pedal at the national series in Balcatta which required stitches.

“The amazing medical team stitched him up at the track and Judd went back out and finished the day in first.”

Ms Howard said Judd’s childhood growing up in Stoneville helped him foster his talent for BMX racing.

“Growing up in the Perth Hills has definitely helped Judd along his journey,” she said.

“We have a small jump line at home that gets built and rebuilt every other week, if the boys aren’t riding, they’re building.

“Also living with many up hills, we believe this has helped Judd with his fitness as we spend loads of time out and about.”

Ms Howard said Judd loves how far he has come, has always strived to push the limits, and loves jumping big jumps on and off the track.

“He strives to set lap records,” she said.

“Judd would love to be the youngest BMX rider to go to the Olympics and would love to see BMX take him far and wide around this world.”