EXTREME SOUNDTRACKS IS A COLUMN PROFILING PROFESSIONAL EXTREME SPORTS ATHLETES AND THE ROLE MUSIC HAS PLAYED IN THEIR LIFE.
CREATED BY TWIN SISTERS STEFANIE AND SUZANNE SANCHEZ
The Pier was able to sneak a little chat with Australian Motocross rider, Rob Adelberg–the X Games most medaled athlete!
TP: Thank you, Rob, for meeting up with us. Can you tell us where you’re from and a preview of your life as a world class athlete?
RA: I have a small farm just out of the town where I grew up in Benalla, Australia. I’ve wanted to be an FMX rider since I can remember. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears and I’ve been able to have a 20-year career doing what I love.
TP: Did you see this success coming?
RA: I’ve always been confident I could be up there with the best. Having the most X Games medals by an Aussie was never something I chased or thought about. Hopefully I can inspire more Australians.
TP: What’s the best thing about riding?
RA: The freedom when you are so laser focused on riding that nothing else enters your mind.
TP: You ever get butterflies before your heat?
RA: Yeah, for sure a great man once said if you’re not scared then you’re probably not going hard enough!
TP: Greatest challenges in this dangerous sport and a close call experience in your sport?
RA: Pushing through fear and pain. At X Games in 2022, I front flipped the biggest jump in history and I over rotated a little and almost got laid out. Luckily, I was able to hold it together and ride away not only healthy but with a gold medal.
TP: Wow ! So far biggest highs of your career?
RA: If I had to choose one, I’d say in 2022 when I won both FMX and Best Trick at X Games and front flipped the biggest jump in FMX history.
TP: Your fave style of riding?
RA: Obviously, Freestyle Motocross is my favorite style of riding. “Front Flip” is one of the tricks I’ve figured out and not many other riders have. So, I’d say favorite trick is a “Front Flip with a Variation”. I’m working on a brand-new trick for X games 2024 so I’ll see if I can make it happen.
TP: What would you like to conquer in the future ?
RA: I’d like to land this trick I’ve been working on for over a year. If I can land it smoothly and at full extension at this year’s X games, I’ll be very happy. Then I’ll set a new goal
TP: I know you like all kinds of music.
RA: Yeah, I like most genres and can find something to suit how I’m feeling at that moment or enhance my day. Bob Marley is probably still my favorite in reggae just to slow down breath and take it all in. Punk I’d say NOFX, Pennywise, and The Offspring basically all the bands that were in the first moto videos I watched growing up.
TP: You ever crowd surf/ or stage dive?
RA: Yep. I was riding in a show in Holland where Metallica was headlining, we were allowed on stage when Korn played. I took a dive and loved it!
TP: How about three guilty pleasures?
RA: Sweets, pizza, and the occasional overindulgence of alcohol
TP: Any words of wisdom for our readers?
RA: If you have a dream go out and chase it because it will not wait around for you. Treat people how you want to be treated. Simple stuff really!
