Captain Shay Glynn is AOTW

BMX Race Captain Shay Glynn has just the ambition and passion it takes to become one of the top riders on the track. So much drive she is even attending Marian University in Indianapolis on a full ride BMX scholarship, Shay is one of the first riders ever to receive this honor! Check out what else she had to say in this week's Monster Army Athlete of the Week!

- Who influences you and why?

My dad ran a National BMX Team when I was young. We had a lot of top national riders on the team that taught me to reach my potential. They showed me that hard work leads success, on and off the track.

- What/ Who inspired you to start riding BMX?

My big brother, Shance, definitely has to be the one who inspired me to start racing BMX. As a little five year old younger sister I was always looking up to him. I wished I could be just like him! So when I got the chance to get on a bike I made no hesitation to start racing BMX.

- What are your proudest moments/ accomplishments in 2013/2014?

In Auckland, New Zealand I competed in the UCI BMX World Championships. I struggled with my start in the main event but made a move from 6 ^th to 2^nd in the first turn. That had to be the best move in that turn all week. I was able to hold on to that position and won the Silver Medal for the USA. Coming across the finish line I was just thinking “wow, did I just do that”. Standing on the podium wearing the USA jersey was one of my top career accomplishments.

Another proud moment was the day I received a full ride scholarship to race collegiate BMX at Marian University in Indianapolis. To be one of the first riders to have the opportunity to race BMX and pay for my education made all my hard work worth it.

What part of your racing are you looking to improve upon most this year?

My acceleration to the first jump is my weakness. I just starting working with a new trainer to improve this. It would be a lot easier if I didn’t have to make so many passes to take the win. Don’t get me wrong, I love racing bar to bar because it makes the racing more exciting. But it would be nice to win start to finish every once and a while.

I have also been doing some Downhill in the collegiate series. I had some solid podium finishes last season, but I am working on being on the top step a few times this year.

Have you had to overcome any challenges that made racing an obstacle at times? (i.e. Injuries, support)

I have been lucky not to have any injuries that have kept me off my bike, that was until the 2012 World Championships in England, I crashed in practice over the first jump. I injured my wrist and was not able to compete. That was very tough to sit in the stands and watch all my friends and competitors race.

I have been fortunate to have support for my racing for many years from longtime sponsors such as Profile Racing and Monster Army.

What is your daily routine and how do you prepare yourself for a day at the track?

During the week, I get up and go to class every day. Going to college and training for BMX is challenging. After I finish school, I go to the gym or ride at the BMX track on our campus. Also I do sprints or practice gates. Before I ride the track, I like to get a little snack and warm up riding the streets to get my legs moving.

Where would you like to see yourself in the next few years?

In the next few years I have a couple of goals. One is to be a serious contender in the USABMX pro circuit. The other will be to graduate from Marian University with my degree in Special Education.

When I’m not out riding you can find me... at Marian University in the library studying, that’s until summer comes, then I will be out in the pool everyday.

Who would you like to thank?

My daddy Jeff Glynn, he is always there, my biggest supporter, #1 fan, and the best friend that I could of ever ask for. I would also like to thank my sponsors, Monster Army of course, my factory sponsors, Gus from Profile Racing, Judd from Hyper Bicycles, Fly Racing, Maxxis Tires, ODI Grips, Box Components, Flyin Kolors, HRP Designs, 24/7 bars, and Spy Goggles.