Champion Jordan is top BMX star (From Salisbury Journal)

Champion Jordan is top BMX star

10:00am Sunday 30th September 2012 in New Forest News By Joel Holt

TEENAGER Jordan Hatcher has bounced back to become a British BMX Champion just months after suffering a broken wrist.

The 15-year-old from Verwood cruised past more than 700 riders in the British Championships in Cheddar, Somerset, to earn the number one spot last weekend.

The BMX fanatic is hoping to take his achievements one step further at the 2013 World Championships in New Zealand, and then on to the 2016 Olympics.

He said: “Next year I want to race junior men, which is an age 17 to 18 category and would mean I could race on Olympic-size track and jumps, which is something I can’t wait to do.”

“This is all in preparation for the 2013 World Championships in New Zealand.

“If all goes well and the funds can be raised, I’ll be there.”

Jordan is in year 11 at Queen Elizabeth’s School, Wimborne, and is getting ready to take his GCSEs.

The youngster discovered a passion for BMX at the age of nine and rode around his garden using his brave dad to jump over.

He became National Champion in 2009.

He was on course to collect some silverware at the Birmingham World championships in May this year, after beating the world number six en-route, when he fell off his bike and broke his wrist.

Jordan rides for Bournemouth BMX Club and trains in Iford. When he’s not in the classroom, he’s practising in the concrete bowl at Potterne Park, in which he helped East Dorset District Council build a series of jumps in a row.

Dad Tony, who travels around the country with Jordan, said: “He’s so modest and he’s done so well.

“You don’t want them to crash but you know it’s going to happen, he’s absolutely fearless.

“My heart is in my mouth and quite often you’re in hospital on various occasions. I remember when he was younger, he always used to try and find the biggest jump possible.

“The school has been magnificent in giving Jordan time off to race.”

Jordan, who moved to Verwood from Breamore in 2009, added: “My family, particularly my nan, has been so supportive – she’s a legend. And family friend Patrick Hickman has been a great help.”

Jordan gets some sponsorship through Dialled Bikes Factory team, but the family has to fund other expenses.

Anyone who would like to sponsor him can email forest@salisburyjournal.co.uk .