Lily Rice
- Peter Harding
- Nov 16, 2020
- 3 min read
Lily Rice, from South Wales UK, entered the scene of WCMX (Wheelchair Moto Cross) in 2017 and is leading the way internationally. In August 2019 Lily became the Women’s World Champion as well as achieving a gold in the European Open in 2018. She also won a silver in the World championships 2018 and silver in the German open 2019 and silver in the North American open 2019. The first female in Europe to achieve a wheelchair back-flip after seven months of riding. This is Lily's Why Can't We Interview:
1. Tell us about yourself?
My name is Lily Rice, I'm 16 years old and I have rare neurological condition called Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia (HSP) as well as having Hypermobility.
2. Can you explain what Wheelchair Moto Cross is?
Wheelchair Moto X (WCMX) is basically Skateboarding but on a wheelchair. I adapt my tricks from others at the skatepark but make it unique to me.
3. How did you get into WCMX?
I saw a video of WCMX online, I wanted to try it as soon as I saw it. I made a little ramp in my garden and that was when it all started.
4. You have challenged skateparks on accessibility in the past. Has accessibility improved with the growth of WCMX?
Definitely! Skatepark designers are coming to me to have input on how parks are built so that everyone can use them. The WCMX community is growing fast so it's essential that we have Skateparks which everyone can use and be independent in.
5. What impact do you think the media has disability sports?
I think the media is great for sport in general, WCMX has reached so many more people because of it! I often get kids saying they saw me on TV and have got their parents to get in contact with me.
6. How has lockdown affected you and your ability to train?
All Skateparks closed in march when lockdown started, although I was not able to skate I had a fitness routine to keep fit. Since the Skateparks in Wales have opened I've been visiting them a lot, I plan to travel to England once their lockdown is over to train in some different environments.
7. In August 2019 you became the Women’s World Champion. How did that feel and what are your next targets?
Becoming the women's world champion at 15 years old was amazing! Having that title gave me so much more confidence and motivated me to train more.
8. How would you encourage young people to have a go at WCMX?
If anyone wants to get involved in WCMX all my social medias are @LilyRice_WCMX you can get in contact with me and have a training session. My top tips would be to work on the small things at the Skatepark before you go onto the big things.
9. How do you overcome the mental barriers of getting back up after a fall?
The Skatepark environment is awesome! If you're ever struggling to land a trick there will always be someone there who can offer advice and cheer you on. I feel like this is really helpful to overcome barriers. 10. What is the difference between a standard wheelchair and a WCMX wheelchair?
The main difference between a WCMX chair and a standard Wheelchair is the suspension.
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