Kiwi Nitro Circus Star Jed Mildon Successfully Lands World’s First Quadruple Backflip on a BMX Bike
Jed “The Warrior” Mildon from Taupo rewrites the record books again by becoming the first person to ever land a quadruple backflip on a BMX bike. After an arduous nine-month battle with fellow Nitro Circus teammate, American James Foster, Mildon landed the milestone world’s first at Travis Pastrana’s “Pastranaland” complex in Maryland, USA. Video of the jaw-dropping jump and other vision can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OFPmjxkNRmA
For his historic run, Mildon rolled in 100 feet to launch off a 21-foot high takeoff ramp. Exceeding 64 km per hour, he flew more than 50 feet in the air in order to complete four full rotations before coming down on a wooden lander. In all, during his quest to land the quad Mildon made over 50 jumps – both from his home base in Tokorua and at Pastranaland – risking life and limb each time.
Mildon says: ‘This is the pinnacle of my life. Kinda like a story that you want growing up as a child but you don’t know how it’s going to pan out. It’s unreal.’
His accomplishment adds to a momentous year for Nitro Circus, which kicked off in summer with a five-stop tour of New Zealand. It follows current X Fighters champion Josh Sheehan’s triple backflip on a motorcycle which shocked the action sports world in April.
“To finally stomp the quad and reach my goal is unbelievable. I’m so pumped,” 27 year old Mildon said. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family, including my Nitro Circus mates. James Foster is such an incredible athlete and a great friend. He pushed me to challenge myself and test my limits.”
Mildon was the first person to ever do a triple backflip on a BMX bike (2011), the youtube video showing his dare devil feat has over 10 million views. Foster is the only other rider who has landed a triple, and he is the only one performing the trick regularly. Foster’s triple flips are now a highlight of Nitro Circus Live shows around the world.
“While we competed hard and neither one of us wanted to come in second, I am definitely happy for Jed. I know what he’s had to go through over the course of this,” Foster said. “Now I’m looking forward to getting back out on the road and finding the next challenge.”
“Jed showed why he is ‘The Warrior’ with this achievement. The risks involved were tremendous, with the difference between triumph and disaster measured in just a fraction of a second,” said Michael Porra, Nitro Circus CEO and creative director. “Both Jed and James put everything on the line here, and that drive to push forward and reach new heights is at the heart of everything we do at Nitro Circus.”
The challenge was filmed for US television network NBC’s “Revolution Day: The Chase for the Biggest Trick in Action Sports History”, which chronicled the nine-month journey of Foster and Mildon as they raced to reach a milestone few thought attainable. Jed landed the flip on 2 May but it was a closely guarded secret until the NBC aired the challenge today.
For additional Nitro Circus news, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tour updates and more, go to http://www.nitrocircus.com. Follow Nitro Circus on Twitter: @nitrocircus and Facebook: www.facebook.com/NitroCircus.
Scoop Media
