Excelsior Springs, Mo. (January 5, 2024) – Emerson Svoboda, a 15-year-old sophomore at Excelsior Springs High School, displayed remarkable determination on November 28, 2024, by competing in the Bicycle Motocross (BMX) Grand Nationals—often referred to as “the greatest race on earth”—all while courageously managing her ongoing battle with scoliosis.
Emerson began racing BMX at age 10 alongside her father, Justin. She quickly discovered a love for the adrenaline and excitement of competition.
However, in 2022, when Emerson was in eighth grade, she was diagnosed with scoliosis, a chronic condition that causes an abnormal curve of the spine. Her father explained that Emerson’s case is severe, with a 40-degree curve in her back.
After the diagnosis, Emerson’s mother, Taran, shared that surgery initially seemed like the only option. The family explored every possible avenue for treatment, eventually turning to Shriners Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, to seek relief for Emerson.
In the beginning, Emerson was discouraged and simply tired of hurting. “Most people don’t know what people with chronic pain go through. The pain they handle daily is taxing on their body and mind,” Taran said. “Not having a good option is frustrating and discouraging. As a parent, I feel helpless because there isn’t a solid answer.”
During one of her hospital visits, Emerson expressed her willingness to try wearing a back brace despite studies showing it would not significantly help correct her spine’s curvature. To this day, she continues to wear the brace. Physical therapy offered only temporary relief and has since been discontinued.
“It’s a daily fight,” Justin added. Even routine activities like sleeping or standing for long periods cause Emerson physical pain. To manage it, she relies on her brace for support, takes baths, and uses ice packs for relief. Yet, despite her diagnosis, Emerson pushes through the pain to pursue her passion: BMX racing.
Emerson began racing bikes, following in her father’s tracks after her younger brother decided it wasn’t for him. She explained that her father raced when he was younger, and learning the sport from her dad has been a great way to share a passion and spend quality time together.
BMX is a fast-paced cycling sport as riders compete on a dirt racetrack with jumps and tight turns. Typically, riders race on a track, and the winner is the first to cross the finish line. Each race is made up of multiple rounds, and the top eight riders in each competition advance to the final round.
Justin explained Emerson has been competing all over the state of Missouri and stumbled upon an application with BMX Without Borders for a Grand Nationals scholarship known as the 2024 Aaron Schiffelbein Scholarship, granting her the opportunity to be one of 75 racers in her age group and proficiency level to compete in Tulsa Oklahoma.
According to Justin, BMX Without Borders is a non-profit organization with a mission of partnering with the community, bringing BMX to those who are at-risk with physical, emotional, and mental disabilities and veterans. He explained that the organization is based in Kansas and has ties across the Midwest.
“She applied for the scholarship herself,” Taran said, “Justin and I didn’t find out until we got the message she was a finalist.”
During her excursion to Grand Nationals, Emerson faced tough competition, racing primarily against boys her age. She endured crashes every day except for her final day of competing. Despite these challenges, she advanced further in the competition than any other girl, reaching the semifinals.
Although she didn’t take the overall win, Emerson shared that the adrenaline she feels on the track keeps her motivated. “It allows me to enjoy my life and my passion,” she said.
Looking ahead, Emerson plans to continue pushing through her pain to compete at the National Race in Springfield this coming March. She’s also set a personal goal to finish in the top three at the state championships next year.
“I am proud of her for getting out there and finding something to keep her active regardless of her scoliosis,” Taran said; BMX gives Emerson “Motivation to do something and keeps her pushing forward, and she enjoys her father-daughter time.”
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