Returning to Big Line, Photo: Jan Porič

THE ROCKET BLOG #5: COMING BACK & BIG LINE SESSION IN LJUBLJANA


First event post-injury, Ljubljana MTB Weekend. Photo: Andras Oravecz


3 months after my crash where I broke my ankle, I was back lining up at a freeride event, the Big Line Session at Ljubljana´s MTB weekend. MTB Weekend in Ljubljana is an annual festival in my hometown, which is happening during European Mobility Week. The city of Ljubljana was crowned as EU´s Green Capital several times and one of the reasons is its commitment to support and invest in sports. After I realized how long it would take to rehab my ankle, I set a goal for myself to return to celebrate my comeback at this event. I was on the  Big Line invited rider list since early spring and it was always my dream to jump in front of my home crowd and fans. 

There´s nothing like the crowd screaming your name, photo: Andras Oravecz


I have rehabilitated my ankle very well but realized it would be a mental challenge returning to big jumps since that´s how I got hurt in the first place. I took baby steps and started with smaller jumps and mulch jumps, where I could start practicing tricks again and getting used to ´flying´ again. The mental blockage was not as problematic, as I thought it would be, because I absolutely love what I do and I couldn´t wait to return to big jumps again. We had a small practice session with my local crew the day before the event and I had absolutely no fear of hitting the 15-meter jump. The opposite, it felt like I was living again.

Being a role model for the youth is one of the most beautiful things an athlete can wish for, Photo: Andras Oravecz


The Big Line Session at Ljubljana´s MTB Weekend was one of the best moments in my life. The community, the jumps, and the crowd loudly screaming my name like I was a hero, is something I will remember for the rest of my life. Kids wanted hugs and autographs, their moms thanking you for being a good role model and their dads realizing a girl with dreams can do anything. I am the only woman in my country riding jumps of this size, attending international events, and learning tricks and it was my dream to come to this level, where I could stand side by side with my friends flying over huge features. I know I´m capable of much more ... Fest Series, Dark Fest, Formation, and maybe even Rampage (if, they will let women ride) are my future goals and I know I can make it.


Let them ride, let us ride ... photo: Jan Poric


With love,

Špela Horvat a.k.a Pocket Rocket



UPCOMING EVENTS

TO BE CONTINUED ...




SOCIAL MEDIA

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