Amanda Maheu

How does FOX contribute to your success?
I can sum it up with one word... Confidence. The confidence that I am riding on the best suspension there is.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
I have a 2010 YZ250F with a FOX PODIUM RC3 rear shock, FOX MX Clicker Caps, FMF megabomb pipe and 4.1 silencer, Renthal bars, sprockets and chain. I also have a 2005 YZ 125.

What else is in your garage?
My trusty pitbike and golf cart.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
Over the years I've broken both wrists. I recovered really fast and was back on the bike racing in seven weeks.

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
I like to have a protein shake and mangos prior to races. I try to eat healthy, but my guilty pleasure is gold fish, the snack that smiles back.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
The races I attend depend on my parents' work schedules.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
My dad got me a motorcycle for Christmas in 2002. We joined a local club where we could ride. I watched the pee wee races one weekend and told him I wanted to do that.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
My determination to win and my never give up attitude. Some of my best races are after I have crashed and put on a charge to get back up front. I take my training seriously and push myself by working on my weak areas until they are my strenghts. Someone once said an amateur practices until they get it right, and a professional practices until they don't get it wrong. I live by that.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
A stunt pilot and race the Red Bull air races, that looks insane.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
I really love riding and racing. The adrenaline rush you get when you are on the start line and the 30 second board goes sideways, the thrill of hitting a big triple for the first time. The new places that you get to see during your travels around the country.

What other sports are you interested in?
I really like volleyball and softball.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Never give up on your dreams. Life is full of challenges. Winners never quit and quitters never win.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
Transworld, Racer X and Motoplayground.

Favorite movie quote?
"Hurry, quick do it again, before the pain sets in and you realize your ankle is broken!"

Who is your hero?
Jessica Patterson, Ryan Hughes and Travis Pastrana. They're inspirational to me because they never give up.

Are you a Mac or PC? PC but Mac is cooler

Top 3 bands The band Perry, Nicki Minaj, and 3OH!3

Greatest strength Focus

Most frustrating challenge I don't really have a frustrating challenge. I like all challenges, they make you a stronger person.