Forum
Contact us at:
sicchicsofbmx@yahoo.com.au
Alice Jung
Tell
us a bit about yourself.
My name is Alice Jung and I live in Mesa, Arizona USA. I’m 20 years old
and I’m currently attending Arizona State University and pursuing a
Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Nutrition. I
hope to become a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach.
What type of bike do
you ride?
I ride a custom Enigma bike. It’s an all black frame made out of Easton
Tubing.
Who are your
sponsors?
Prodigy Racing
Mudslingers Bmx
Answer Products
Dope Bmx Products
Enigma Bicycles
AC Components
Sun Ringle'
BmxMania.com
Vison Street Wear
Exclusive One
Marwi USA
SDG
Thomson
ODI
S&M
seandwight.com
True Precision
How did you get
involved in BMX and how long have you been racing for? How long do you
think you will keep racing for?
When I was 13 I asked my dad if I could have a mountain bike for Christmas
because I wanted to race them. He told me that he’d give me money for a
bike, so for Christmas, 1995 I received 250 dollars for a bicycle. We went
to the bike shop and all the mountain bikes were too expensive. I was
disappointed but the salesman showed me some BMX bikes and told me about
racing. I bought a Dyno Nitro and headed for the track in February 1996. I
was really scared initially so I watched for about a month and then
finally found the courage to give it a go. I got last place by a
straight-away in my first race but I was hooked and it’s all history
from there. I guess I’ve been racing for 6 and half years now…. who
knows, maybe 1 more year or maybe 10 more years. I’m not sure — all I
know is that I have goals and until I fulfil all of them, I won’t quit.
I’m having too much fun anyway.
What major results
and achievements have you had?
1999 Gold cup #1, ROC #1, Nag #2
2000 National #2 Pro Girl, Top 5 Rookie Pro
2001 National #1 Pro Girl, ABA World Champion
What has been your
most memorable moment in BMX?
My most memorable moment was definitely standing on the podium and
receiving my silver cup for winning the National #1 Pro Girl Title in
2001.
What has been your
biggest disappointment in BMX?
I’d say my biggest disappointment was not being able to obtain a
National Age Group #1 before I turned pro but I guess it doesn’t matter
because a Number 1 Pro title is much better!
What is the racing
like for girls in USA? Does this differ between ABA and NBL?
There are a lot of amateur girls but in the Pro Girls’ class there are
not as many. In the ABA, the pro women are scarce and there are only
classes at some of the races. In NBL you are required to turn pro at age
16 which definitely increases the rider count. In addition, the NBL pays
much more — sometimes 10 times what the ABA pays. I think NBL is better
for the girls’ scene but I can only afford to race ABA right now. I
might try and race NBL next year. The girls, in general, do not make as
much as the men but I think in time, we will be more even.
Can females make a
living out of racing BMX in USA? Does this differ between ABA and NBL?
I only know of one girl who makes a living off of BMX. I think she is the
only one who gets a salary. In NBL, I think you could live off of racing
but in ABA, there is really no way you could afford to live off of the
payout. It stinks but with sponsors paying for expenses and earning money
by teaching clinics, (oh, and student loans) I manage to make it to all
the races without having to get a real job.
What is the racing
scene in general like in USA? Does this differ between ABA and NBL?
The general racing
scene is bigger in the ABA than in the NBL but both are reputable
sanctions. Each one has a long racing season with only a little time off
at the end of the year. Often times, the ABA and NBL have races going on
during the same weekend, which hurts them both but for the most part, BMX
here in the US is moderately popular. We’re kind of on a down-slope,
economically so it’s hurting some of the companies involved in BMX but I
think that in regards to rider count, BMX has been steadily increasing in
popularity over the past few years.
What other countries
have you raced in? Have you ever raced in Australia?
I’ve never raced in any other country. I hope to race in Australia for
the UCI World Championships. I’ve always wanted to go to Australia.
Who is your
favourite male and female bmx’er and why?
I don’t really have favourites but I admire some people for their
abilities. I admire Kyle Bennet and Thomas Allier for their bike handling
skills—they’re really pretty to watch. I also admire Warwick Stevenson
and Danny Nelson for their strength down the first straight. Among the
female racers, I guess I admire Jamie Lilly. Though she’s a competitor,
she’s won so many races and been on top for so long that it has to say
something for her mental focus, which is something I believe is important.
What Australian
female bmx’ers have you heard of and what do you think of when think
about these riders?
I know and race Natarsha Williams and I’ve heard of other girls like
Tanya Bailey. I know that Natarsha is strong and jumps pretty well but she
has a really bad gate!! (no offense Natarsha! :-) ) As for Tanya, someone
just told me she as really big quads. hehehe
How often and what
do you do for training?
I train 5 days a week. I go to the gym, do sprints, and go to the track
for gates. It’s pretty basic, really.
What is your
favourite TV show?
I don’t like to watch TV very much but I like the Discovery Health
Channel. I like Friends too but other than that, I’m not too into TV.
What is your
favourite type of music?
I like pop, rap, alternative, rock, whatever. I just don’t like
classical, jazz, or country.
Do you play any
other sports or have any other hobbies besides BMX?
I used to run track and play rugby but I only did those for a little while
— just for fun. Now I just concentrate on BMX. I love racing. As for
other hobbies, I like ceramics, pottery, drawing, reading, riding my road
bike, and working out.
What do you do in
your spare time?
I do my homework or I go riding.
What are your future
goals/ambitions? Is there anything that you haven’t achieved yet, but
would like to?
I’d like to try and obtain some consecutive number one titles and maybe
a World number 1. I’d also like to try and get into some velodrome
racing if I can find time and who knows, maybe I can be in the Olympics
someday!
Are you planning on
coming to Australia for the 2003 World Titles?
I’m not sure. I’d definitely like to. As of now, it’s a tentative,
yes.
Is there anybody you
would like to thank?
I’d like to thank all of my sponsors listed above, my boyfriend Mike Gul
and his generous family, Jessica Petersen and her parents, Jeane Russo,
Scooter and Steve Cullen, Cindy Meyers, Bob Bauer and his family, and
anyone who has ever helped me get to races, asked for my autograph, and
told me good luck. Oh, and thank you, for interviewing me.
Thank you for your time and we might see you in Perth in 2003.