Former Hometown Boy an International Success in World of Extreme Sports

Former hometown boy Rich Kearns has made quite a name for himself in the world of Freestyle Motocross sports, and now has the international recognition to prove it.

Kearns, 25, a 2003 graduate of Seymour High School who grew up in Oxford, was recently selected as one of only two FMX riders hailing from the United States to nab an international award.

Two weeks ago, Kearns was bestowed a 2010 FMX Award in the “Best Trick  Innovator" competition for his high-flying “Dead Body Back-Flip.” He was recognized by the International Freestyle Motocross Federation, alongside the well-known Travis Pastrana (who snagged FMX Rider of the Decade and Best American Rider awards), during the 2010 FMX Awards, presented by the Berlinieros Sports Agency earlier this month. The awards were announced last week on ESPN.

An international panel of judges made their initial selections for the awards, and the finalists were then voted on by the international FMX community, recognizing riders’ performances from 2010.

Kearns, who began honing his craft in the backyard of his Oxford home at age 11, was thrilled to be internationally recognized in his sport.

"I'm pretty pumped on receiving this award, it feels good to finally get
recognition for that trick," Kearns said.  "And to see my name in
the list of awards next to some of the guys I looked up to my whole life blows
my mind...really good feeling for sure."

Kearns' dad, Richard Kearns, Sr., was equally blown away by his son's latest feat.

“This is such exciting news,” said the elder Kearns. “Rich has been traveling internationally and across the United States and Canada wowing audiences with his extreme motocross tricks.”

Kearns represented the U.S. during last year’s Summer X-Games in Los Angeles, (known as the ‘Olympics’ of extreme action sports) where he finished as the top U.S. rider in Freestyle Motocross ’best trick’ competition, and ranked 6^th in the world.

Although he’s currently sidelined due to injuries to his clutch finger he received during a crash at a recent FMX show in Fresno, Ca., Kearns is determined to be up and around soon to begin training for what he hopes will be his sophomore appearance at the 2011 Summer X-Games later this year.

Kearns’ dad said he never imagined when his son was doing BMX bicycle tricks in the backyard with friends, or perfecting his extreme freestyle skiing skills, that it would someday turn into a career, and now international recognition for his son's extreme FMX skills.

“Rich was a natural,” Kearns, Sr., said.

While racing on local tracks around Connecticut after high school graduation, the younger Kearns knew he had to pack his bags and head west, where the FMX scene was bustling. While he hated to leave his family, Kearns knew if he wanted to jump-start his career, and pursue his lifelong dream, the young man had to go west.

“In order to kick start my career, I knew had to pack everything up and leave my family and friends behind to pursue my FMX career in California,” Kearns said.

Kearns’ father couldn’t have agreed more.

“He is a young man living his dream, doing something he always wanted to do and he is at the top of the sport.” the elder Kearns said. “He also says, 'Where else can (he) go to work every day riding dirt bikes and get paid.' He set a goal and worked hard to get on top.”

Kearns now competes against the like of pros from Spain, Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Japan, Switzerland and Canada. He has also performed at NASCAR pre-shows and for the troops at U.S. military bases, which he said are “the most rewarding places to perform.”

Kearns still can’t believe he’s actually making a living doing what he loves. One thing he keeps close to his heart is the memory of his friend, Cody Krauss, another Oxford native, who has since passed away. 

"Knowing that he is still riding with me, watching over me, gives me the confidence to push the limits," Kearns said.