Being the son of a freestyle motocross superstar (Robbie Maddison), you would say Kruz Maddison was destined to be the best. What many wouldn’t see behind the scenes is the work ethic this kid has!
Kruz Maddison has had an amazing career for a 15-year-old. Touring the world with Freestyle Kings LIVE, he earned his spot on tour by always riding at a high level. What makes this unique is Kruz has a heart condition that would normally stop any physical activity. Kruz refused to let this stop him and he is always pushing the limits of what you think is possible for a grom.
Kruz landed his first ever backflip on a KTM 65 with the help of his father in the USA, becoming one of the youngest on the planet to regularly flip in live shows.
This month, he has shocked the industry again by mastering backflips on his KTM SuperMini over the full-size 75ft FMX gap.
The family loaded up and travelled to Jackson ‘Jacko’ Strong’s farm in Lockhart, NSW.
“When we got to Jacko’s, he was setting up the foam pit and made the gap 82ft into the foam. This was apparently so the gap feels the same to the lander,” said Kruz. “I was pretty nervous because I haven’t jumped that big on the SuperMini yet, and if I misjudge it, I hit a steel wall (laughs).”
Because the foam pit sits lower than the take-off ramp, 75ft to the middle of the foam can feel like the same speed as 65ft to a lander.
“I had to push through so much fear and just do it. The foam pit was also my first jump of my whole visit; I didn’t ride to dirt before going in the pit.”
Kruz had to gather much more run-up and carry enough speed to click third gear. One could only imagine being 15 years old, clicking third at full speed, and then attempting to huck a backflip.
“I managed to land three flips into the foam. The foam really hurts, so I didn’t want to do much more than that.” Kruz speaks in a tone as if it was no big deal, but I can tell how hard this must’ve been for him at the time. With my own experience jumping into foam pits, it’s one of the most brutal things in FMX. “After that, I started jumping to Jacko’s lander. I had everyone watching me and filming each jump just in case I went for it. This is the most fear I’ve ever felt before, the moment right before I committed to it.” Kruz laughs again as he tells me this.
“When I leaned back off the ramp, the jump felt huge. I was in control and landed perfectly. I couldn’t believe it. All the years of hard work leading up to this moment. I dreamed of this.”
Kruz went on to do many more, waking up the next morning and doing it all again. “I had one mistake where I pulled later than the other flips and it spun so fast and over-rotated. I landed like a wheelie and just saved it. Still have plenty to learn as I keep doing it.”
The motivation Kruz Maddison has is contagious. Just speaking to him over the phone, I feel motivated to go out there and progress, just like he does every day. I asked what the near future holds for him. “It might just sound like a dream, but I’m focused on getting body varials like my dad once did.” No doubt that day will come. The future of FMX is in good hands.
Kruz Maddison would like to thank his family, Jackson Strong, Apro, and KTM for giving him the opportunity.
