With the BMX Worlds just around the corner, you can bet we’re starting up the interviews again. Although she won’t be entering this year, Stacey Mulligan did take a first place win in 2006, in women’s street. I remember the first time I met Nina and Stacey, it was amazing. I’ve never received so much support and encouragement before, especially from people I just met. The phrase ‘fall down 7 times, get up 8″ can pretty much sum up Stacey’s attitude. I often get asked what Stacey is up to these days, so here is the short version: Stacey is 28, living in Denver, CO and is a Public Information Officer for North Metro Fire Rescue District *breaths*. Continue below for the full story.
Did you stop riding BMX?
I decided to stop riding BMX when I first moved to Denver as my injuries started to catch up with me and my career started to take over. It was a tough choice to walk away, but I was not willing to risk any more issues with my back then I already had. I was also starting to get involved with long distance running and began racing.
I know your injuries have impacted you quite a bit. For someone who is just starting to ride, what advice do you have to avoid injuries?
I think injuries are just a part of BMX, but if I could give any advice, I would suggest strength training, yoga and cardio to stay in top shape. The more in shape your body is the better you can heal from serious injuries. Also by staying in shape, you will ride better and stronger. I wish I knew then what I know now about fitness. I could have prevented a lot of injuries. I also liked hucking myself high up on sub boxes and walls, which increased my risk for high falls.
I feel like you are still really interested in girls BMX, otherwise you would have said no when I asked you to MC a contest -if we ever did one. Is there any aspect that you miss or any part that was hard to let go when you left BMX or was it a slow phase out period?
I will always have a special place in my heart for BMX and I am so proud of the way girls are riding today. There are some amazing riders out there and it’s so fun to see videos, photos and social media posts of all the crazy things girls are starting to do.
I would also say leaving was a slow phase out period and the more I got into running the less I wanted to ride my bike. I think BMX has made me the trail runner I am today. It has taught me how to push through and not hesitate on a super technical trail. I also think it taught me how to have the drive to run marathons and high elevation without quitting when it hurts because believe me…it hurts!
Do you think we will ever see a return, you didn’t sell your bike right?!
I probably won’t ever ride BMX again but I still have my bike to remind me of the great memories I have acquired over the years. BMX has made me who I am today and I feel so lucky to have had the experiences I had.
What is a day in the life of Stacey Mulligan?
A typical day for me starts at 5:00 a.m. Mornings are spent walking with my dog Izzie. I also work as the PIO for North Metro Fire Rescue where every day is different. I work with the fire department responding to various emergencies as the organization’s spokesperson. When a high level emergency occurs and news media is on scene, I am there help with any questions they have. It is an extremely exciting job where I get to work alongside incredible heroes and inform the North Metro Denver community about emergencies in our area.
Besides work, I fit in about 40 miles of running per week and attend a race about once a month. I have been entering a lot of trail running races and this August I will run the Pikes Peak Marathon. This is an 8,000 ft ascent for 13 miles and then an 8,000ft descent back down 13 miles to the finish. This will be the most challenging race I have ever done considering the altitude reaching over 14,000ft and the long climb up. As nerve racking as this race will be, it is a wonderful way to see Colorado!
Thanks to BMX I have had the chance to lead an extremely exciting life and still continue with the same drive that BMX taught me in the life I lead now. I wish everyone the best of luck in their journeys through BMX and I am so proud of the accomplishments that women have brought to the sport.
Stacey will always be a significant pioneer of Women’s BMX!
If you know anyone who has a copy of Shook Winteractive Network, there is a really amazing bonus section by Fox Riders Co. The all girls tour which was hosted by Stacey, ventured into the cold New England region, with Mary Anne Delfino, Jessica Aussec, Anita Joy, Nina Buitrago, Heather Roller and Kari Olandese. A must watch, but it will be a rare find, Shook is not even around anymore!
