Ashley Fiolek
Motocross
Loud and clear
There's no one in motocross quite like me. I was born deaf, so even when the engines are revving, I can't hear them. I learned to ride by feeling the bike's vibrations — they tell you loud and clear when to shift gears. My Dad got me into racing when I was just three years old. He's my coach, mentor and communicator, and there's nothing quiet about us. My Dad has my number, 67, dyed in his hair. My vibe is pink hair and the nickname "Rude Pea," because I never ride like a sweet pea. Being deaf has never slowed me down for a second. I may not hear, but I make a lot of noise.
Q & A
- How many years have you participated in your sport?
- 9 years - Started in 1998. Became a professional in August 2007.
- How do you see yourself?
- Well, let's see, I am definitely not quiet - ha ha - just ask any of my friends and family! No one can shut me up! Weird? I may be, but I think in a good way. I love to make people laugh and I am pretty much always smiling. I also think it is important to stand up for what you believe is right and speak your mind! Women's motocross doesn't get the coverage of men's motocross; my family and I are doing everything we can to help change this! Keep watching, the women are coming!!
- What are the things that inspire you?
- People who are dedicated to overcoming some obstacle in their lives through hard work and dedication! A friend of mine used to race and is now paralyzed but that didn't stop him from racing and riding! He is working hard to overcome this obstacle, figuring out new ways to make up for what he has lost! He believes! That is what inspires me! That is what really keeps me going!
- What is the greatest lesson you have ever learned?
- I think to not give up, to always keep trying, and to put your heart into everything that you love and things will work out! It is not always easy, if it was everyone would be doing it!
- What are the greatest hurdles you have had to overcome in life?
- I'm deaf and I think the biggest thing for me when I first started racing was trying to find ways to communicate with my "hearing" MX friends. I use sign language as my main way to communicate. Now, a lot of my friends have learned sign language and I keep in touch through MySpace, my Sidekick, text messages, emails and writing things down on paper.
- What are the greatest signs you have received in life?
- This will probably sound weird but whenever I have had a big or important race I have seen a Robin. Whenever this happens I feel pretty comfortable and at ease and know that I will do well in my upcoming race!
- What makes you different than other girls or just unique?
- Well obviously the biggest thing is that I am deaf and I race dirt bikes! I am also pretty laid back compared to most girls. I am not picky with clothes, I don't like to go to the mall and shop and I am not a big fan of makeup! I don't mind getting dirty. :) I would much rather spend a day at the track riding and sweating then hanging at the beach or indoors!
- Best advice someone gave you:
- Do the best at what you love to do because you don't want to be stuck doing something the rest of your life that you don't want to do. :)
- What do you most value in your friends?
- Trust.
Date of Birth:
10/22/90
Hometown:
St. Augustine, Florida
Hobbies:
- Making Videos
- Taking Pictures
- Riding my pit bike 110cc
Career Highlights:
- 13 amateur national championships
- 2007 Xtremmey Award "Most inspirational Athlete"
- Featured in Rolling Stone magazine, EXPN the Magazine
- 2 Front covers in amateur MX magazines
- 2004 America Motorcycle Association (AMA) Youth Motocrosser of the Year and Youth Rider of the Year
- First Deaf person to win an AMA National Championship
- Invited twice to Japan for the FIM "Japan World's Women's Motocross Cup"
- Finished 11th place in the boys (only girl) 85 mod 14-15 class at the AMA Air Nautiques Amateur National
