Participating in her 27th USA BMX Grand Nationals held every year over Thanksgiving, Willoughby won her 12th National Pro Title on Friday evening with her husband and coach, Sam Willoughby, beside her. Winning her first Pro Title in 2006 when she was 15, and now at 33 years old, Willoughby is the winningest BMX Racer in USA BMX history and the youngest and oldest win pro titles.
"Every year presents its opportunities and challenges, so each title and season has its chapter in my mind," Willoughby said about this year's title. "The 2024 USA BMX series title means a lot to me to achieve while wearing the world champion's jersey again; it's just the perfect way to cap off what's been a pretty successful season overall and end it on a high note. I've worked hard over the years to continuously elevate my racing to stay consistent in our 'young person's game,' so it's gratifying to use all those tools and experiences to meet the occasion and stay consistent over the course of my career. From being the youngest to now being the oldest professional woman to win the USA BMX Series Championship, I love challenging the status quo. I am thankful for all 12 of my USA BMX women's pro championship titles and the lessons each season has taught me along the way. Excited to see what we can do next year!"
At 15 years of age, Willoughby was the youngest female to hold the National No.1 Pro Women's title, and she is also one of the youngest to turn pro (female or male) in BMX since the early days of the professional class of the late 1970s. She is also one of the youngest to hold a pro title since that era and the first female to earn all three Girls division classifications: No.1 Girl Amateur, No.1 Girl Amateur Cruiser, and No.1 Girl Pro.
In 2016, Willoughby won a silver medal at the Rio Olympic Games, which resulted in the best finish ever for American women. In May of this year, Willoughby won her third UCI World Championship title in Rock Hill - the same place she won her first in 2017. And in July, participating in her fourth Olympic Games, Willoughby finished in fifth place. In May, Willoughby won her third UCI World Championship title in Rock Hill, the same place she won her first in 2017. And in July, participating in her fourth Olympic Games, Willoughby finished in sixth place.
At 15 years of age, Willoughby was the youngest female to hold the National No.1 Pro Women's title, and she is also one of the youngest to turn pro (female or male) in BMX since the early days of the professional class of the late 1970s. She is also one of the youngest to hold a pro title since that era and the first female to earn all three Girls division classifications: No.1 Girl Amateur, No.1 Girl Amateur Cruiser, and No.1 Girl Pro. 
After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.