AMA Arenacross Series' Vicki Golden Captures Gold At X-Games

AMA Arenacross Series standout Vicki Golden captured the first X-Games Gold Medal of her career, winning the Women's Moto X Racing Final Saturday at the Staples Center. Earlier this year Golden became the first female to qualify for an AMA Arenacross Series main event. It's no surprise the Menifee, Calif., native lead from wire to wire. This year's track was smaller than in years past, liking it to the track design on the 12-stop AMA Arenacross Series tour.

"It feels good and I can't believe it happened," Golden said after winning. "We've been putting in a lot of hard work and it feels good for it to finally pay off."

A 2008 Amateur National Arenacross champion, Golden finished fourth, missing the podium by one position. Her AMA Arenacross Series experience was evident as she beat 2010 silver medalist Tarah Gieger and French rider Livia Lancelot. It was definitely a year of redemption for Golden after suffering multiple injuries from a practice crash, which occurred during preparation for the X-Games, two years ago that ended her season.

"I had so much fun racing arenacross and coming back to this was like coming home," Golden said. "This reminded so much of racing arenacross. It felt so much more comfortable."

In recent years, the once seemingly indestructible gender barrier within the sport has slowly deteriorated as the nation's top female racers have become faster, more athletic, and now receive the necessary support from the sport's manufacturers. Through this growth, the gap between men and women has narrowed and now Golden is making the breakthrough initiative to see where she stands in the more competitive division.

In the coming months, Golden will continue to train for the 2011-2012 AMA Arenacross Series championship.

"After I finish out the last three outdoor national races, I will set my sights on the 2011-2012 AMA Arenacross Series championship" said Golden. "My goal for next year is to use my experience and accomplishments over the past year as a springboard to get on the podium."

For more information on the AMA Arenacross Series, log on to www.Arenacross.com. For all media requests, please contact Brandon Short at brandon@nextlevelsportsinc.com