In a few months, nine-year-old Ariel Kelly will represent her country, Canada, in the BMX World Championship. Kelly is the youngest of six Saskatchewan kids taking part in the competition in May.
Greatness runs in the Kelly family. Ariel’s grandmother was once a top female BMX rider, winning the title at Expo 86 in Vancouver. Ariel has won medals in Saskatchewan, Quebec, and Alberta with her grandfather, Lowell Ruda, as her coach.
Ruda has high expectations for his granddaughter, but they aren’t much higher than Ariel’s own goals.
“I hope to get first in the world and represent Saskatchewan and our country,” said Ariel.
