Born: 1958
Biography:
Sue Fish, a pioneering female motocross racer, left an indelible mark on the world of motorsports as one of the first women to compete and excel in this thrilling and demanding sport. Born in November 1958, Fish’s passion for motorcycles was ignited at a young age by her father, who himself had participated in dirt track and hare scrambles races. Little did she know that her love for riding would propel her to become one of the most influential figures in women’s motocross history.
At the tender age of 11, Fish’s father introduced her to the exhilarating world of motocross, teaching her the ropes of maneuvering a bike with precision and skill. Eagerly embracing her newfound passion, Fish quickly honed her abilities and displayed an innate talent for the sport. By the time she reached 14, she made her debut as a racer, triumphantly clinching victory in her very first race. This early taste of success only fueled Fish’s determination to push boundaries and shatter gender stereotypes in the racing arena.
In 1976 and 1977, Fish emerged as the Women’s National Motocross Champion, solidifying her status as the foremost female motocross racer of her time. Her dominance in the female ranks showcased her exceptional skill, speed, and courage, inspiring countless women to follow in her tire tracks and take up motocross as their own passion. Thanks to Fish’s trailblazing legacy, women racers have since gained equal footing and compete vigorously against their male counterparts.
Fish’s groundbreaking achievements extended beyond women’s motocross. She was among the first female motocross racers to be granted a professional racing license from the AMA (American Motorcyclist Association). This pioneering move allowed her to compete on a regular basis against male racers, transcending the limitations imposed by traditional gender norms. Carrying the nickname The Flying Fish, she showcased her talents in the AMA 125cc National Motocross Championship, fearlessly taking on the best male racers of her time.
However, Fish’s abilities were not restricted to motocross alone. In 1978, she participated in the Subaru International Motorcycle Olympiad, a prestigious two-day event that encompassed various forms of off-road racing. This multifaceted approach to her career showcased her versatility and adaptability as a racer, solidifying her status as a true force to be reckoned with in the motorsports world.
Moreover, Fish defied expectations by venturing into the male-dominated domain of asphalt racing. She fearlessly competed in the men’s expert ranks, specifically in the highly competitive 600cc road racing classes. Her deftness in maneuvering bikes on any terrain highlighted her remarkable skill and unwavering determination to continually push her boundaries as a racer.
Fish’s exceptional talents even led her to the silver screen, where she made a name for herself as a Hollywood stuntwoman. Working on blockbuster films such as Terminator and Footloose, she fearlessly executed death-defying stunts that thrilled audiences worldwide. Fish’s unwavering dedication to her craft also saw her travel alongside legendary stuntman Evel Knievel as part of his stunt show in Australia. Her foray into the world of stunts further emphasized her fearlessness and unwavering commitment to her beloved motorcycles.
Despite her unprecedented impact on women racers and her recognition as a pioneering figure, Fish humbly reflected on her journey, shying away from the title of a pioneer. For her, riding motorcycles was never about proving a point or breaking barriers; it was simply a way of life. From the moment her father sat her on the tank of his motorcycle at the age of 3, Fish knew that motorcycles were her ultimate passion. Her love for riding served as a guiding force, imparting invaluable life lessons and shaping her identity as a fierce competitor.
Fish’s career spanned the ages, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire generations of women to pursue their dreams on the motocross track. Her impact reverberates through time, reminding us of the progress achieved and the barriers broken by women in the world of motorsports. Sue Fish will forever be remembered as a trailblazer, an inspiration, and a true icon of women’s motocross.
Awards:
– 1976 Women’s National Motocross Champion
– 1977 Women’s National Motocross Champion