Few Sports Thrill Audiences

FEW SPORTS THRILL AUDIENCES like the bike vert competition. And in the 2003 Gravity Games, Dave Mirra proved once again that he can hit the big run when it counts.

Competing on the same ramp where he lost to Simon Tabron in the 2002 games, Mirra showed from the start that he was going for the gold. During his first run, Mirra fell after he attempted a tailwhip 540 followed by an opposite one-footed X-up flair over the channel. Mirra thrives on pushing the envelope—as well as his fellow competitors—by throwing the toughest tricks in seemingly impossible combinations.

Needing a huge score on his second run, Mirra attacked the ramp with total abandon. Feeding off the energy of the gigantic crowd and decked out on an old-school bike with graphics identical to those on the first freestyle BMX bike, Mirra hit every move flawlessly. His score of 95 locked up first place and $23,000 in prize money.

Tabron looked to challenge Mirra as he completed his 50th 900 in the competition but had to settle for third with 92.2 points. Kevin Robinson’s 92.2 points were good enough for second place (he won in a tiebreaker against Tabron because he had a higher second-run score).

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POINT With his high-flying aerials, mind-blowing spins, and bone-jarring flips, Dave Mirra has earned his nickname of “Miracle Boy.” For years he dominated the bike vert and street bike competitions. And while Mirra has certainly performed and invented some miraculous stunts, he isn’t qualified to even lube the chain of Jesus Christ, who was truly miraculous.

Jesus’ birth was a real miracle. Not only was he born to a virgin, but his birth and life fulfilled numerous other Old Testament prophecies. Plus, he performed miracle after miracle as he healed the sick, walked on water, and taught about God. When Simeon saw Jesus, he knew immediately that he was looking at the Savior.

GOAL! Next time you’re marveling at your favorite athlete’s endeavors, take a few moments to remember the real Miracle Child. Then thank God for sending his Son to earth.