This year instead of watching girls race the Nationals from her computer, she decided to compete with them. Over the course of four Nationals, she achieved eight wins. This gained her the #2 spot for National girl and the #1 spot National Age Group (NAG) for 7-year-olds. As she is located at least an hour's drive from any track, she values time and is dedicates to getting the most out of riding. She believes in trying her best, having fun, traveling, meeting new people/friends, and she definitely understands that winning isn't everything. As Jeff looked back at all the racing struggles and triumphs he said the following: "The durability and reliability of BOX's Components have been a huge contributor to Jemma's many successes and accomplishments." Jemma is extremely excited to have BOX as a sponsor to help her reach her BMX goals and dreams.
Jemma, also known as, Lil' JT, grew up in Woodbury, Minnesota. She was born on May 15, 2012, and began her hobby in BMX in 2017. She got started at an old school get together at their indoor track, Rum River BMX. Her father, Jeff had the thought that Jemma would like to ride her balance bike there. On that very day, she wouldn't stop going around the track and eventually, Jeff had to pull her off to get hydrated from all the fun. In May 2017, she entered her first balance bike race and to our surprise, she beat all the boys. Since then she has won every balance bike race she entered including the Grand Nationals.
The following year in June 2018, she broke her arm and was in a cast for six weeks. By August, she couldn't wait to get back on the track and once her cast was removed she tied for first place at the North Central Gold Cup. She later crashed in the main and missed getting a plate. Things soon turned around and she then went on to win all her races. In so doing she moved her ranking from 22nd to 3rd overall, whilst competing for a very competitive Minnesota State series plate. After enduring 9 months of racing some really fast Intermediate boys, she became an Expert. Her first race as an Expert girl was in 2018 at the Grand Nationals. Unfortunately, she crashed when battling out front on the first straightaway, taking her out once again. She didn't give up.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.