Born: 1980 (London, Ontario)
Biography:
Jolene Van Vugt, born on September 17, 1980, is a Canadian motocross rider who has left an indelible mark on the sport with her incredible achievements and fearless spirit. She has shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for women in motocross, showcasing her immense talent and determination. As the first-ever CMRC Women’s Canadian Motocross National Champion, Jolene Van Vugt has proven that gender is no barrier when it comes to excelling in a male-dominated field.
Growing up in London, Ontario, Jolene was heavily influenced by her father, Bill Van Vugt, an avid motocross racer. Despite her mother’s hopes for her to pursue figure skating or ballet, Jolene’s heart was set on motocross. At the age of 11, she managed to convince her father to buy her a dirt bike, showcasing her unwavering commitment to the sport even at such a young age.
By the time Jolene turned 14, she faced a crucial decision – either embrace motocross wholeheartedly or abandon it altogether. The young rider chose to dedicate herself fully to the sport, and the results were nothing short of extraordinary. She quickly rose through the ranks of Canadian women’s motocross, consistently demonstrating her skill and determination.
Throughout her career, Jolene Van Vugt amassed an impressive collection of accolades. She secured multiple Ontario Provincial Championships and achieved a remarkable 9th place overall in the WMA (Women’s Motocross Association), earning her the prestigious lifetime number 63. Additionally, she competed in renowned motocross events such as the Loretta Lynn’s Amateur National and the TransCan Canadian Amateur Grand National Championship.
Jolene’s impact extends beyond the motocross track. She played a crucial role in the hit television show Nitro Circus, which first aired as a mini-series on Fuel TV in 2006 before becoming a full series on MTV in 2009. Her inclusion in the show further solidified her status as a motocross icon and allowed her to showcase her skills to a global audience.
In 2012, Jolene Van Vugt took on the challenge of performing Catwoman’s driving stunts in the blockbuster film The Dark Knight Rises. This opportunity to contribute to a major Hollywood production further highlighted her versatility and talent as a motocross rider. She proved that she could excel both on and off the track, showcasing her dedication to her craft.
Despite her numerous achievements, Jolene’s journey has not been without obstacles. In September 2015, she suffered a serious injury while attempting a ramp jump using a slingshot, a device used to propel bikes to high speeds in a short distance. The injuries she sustained required multiple reconstructive surgeries to her face and an extensive recovery period before she could perform again. This setback only highlights Jolene’s incredible resilience and determination to overcome any challenges in her path.
Jolene Van Vugt’s impact on the motocross world and beyond is immeasurable. Not only has she achieved groundbreaking success as a motocross rider, but she has also inspired countless women to pursue their dreams fearlessly. Her dedication, skill, and perseverance have solidified her place in women’s history and made her a true trailblazer.
Awards:
– CMRC Ladies Ontario Provincial Champion
– TransCan Canadian Grand National Championship, Walton Raceway, Ladies 2nd
– CMX Canadian National Championship, Ladies 2nd
– WML Pro National Binghamton, N.Y. Round 5, 16th
– WMA Pro National Monster Mtn. AL. Round 4, 7th
– WMA Pro National Cohcoton, N.Y. Round 5, 7th
– WMA Pro National Steel City, PA. Round 6, 7th
– WMA Pro National Series 9th (Earning lifetime National #)
– First woman to backflip a full-sized dirtbike, ramp to dirt
– CMRC Ladies Ontario Provincial, 3rd
– WMA Pro National Glen Helen, CA. Round 1, 20th
– WMA Pro National Hangtown, CA. Round 2, 31st
– WMA Pro National ThunderValley, CO. Round 3, 15th
– WMA Pro National Washogual, WA. Round 4, 14th
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