BMX reporters and enthusiasts are closely watching the blossoming career of nine-year-old Jemma Tollefson, also known as “Lil’ JT,” who currently holds the #1 ranking for her national age group (NAG), the #1 ranking in her home state of Minnesota, and the USA BMX Gold Cup Champion title. Jemma is no doubt a formidable racer and an exceptional athlete, but she is also a role model to BMX riders of all ages. The story of her remarkable success in racing as well as her unwavering love for the sport through adversity is an inspiration to many in the BMX community and beyond. If you aren’t already, you will want to pay attention to this rising star in the BMX world. So what makes Jemma shine?
Jemma Tollefson
Just before turning nine this past May, Jemma secured an astonishing triple win at the Route 66 Classic Nationals in the high desert of Arizona, part of the USA BMX National Series, placing first in her class, 8 Expert Girls, all three days of competition. Very few riders can pull off that kind of consistency, especially at the national level competing against the best racers from all over the country. But, as her fans and her competitors know, for Jemma, consecutive first-place results are no surprise. Victory is the rule for Lil’ JT. Jemma has since graduated to the next age class and shows no signs of slowing down even as the competition gets fiercer, as evidenced by her #6 overall national ranking.
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.