Jayden “Jayo” Archer, a pioneering athlete and X Games medalist known for his triple backflip in competition, performed his signature move Wednesday at the age of 27 in Melbourne, Australia, ESPN reported. He died during practice.
Archer’s relentless pursuit of excellence has made him a cherished figure within the Australian motocross world and Nitro Circus, the adrenaline-fueled action sports crew founded by Travis Pastrana. He was dedicated to pushing the boundaries of the sport, often without being tempted by large paychecks. according to To ESPN.
Motocross star and X Games medalist Jayo Archer dies at age 27 in accident while practicing triple backflip https://t.co/gtvHodoa9h
— People (@people) February 22, 2024
Pastrana reflected on the impact Archer had on the sports world after his accident. “This really hit home,” Pastrana told ESPN. “Jayyo grew up in an era where action sports were the biggest thing, and he always wanted to do big tricks like doubles and triples, even though there weren't many places to do them.”
“He would wake up at 4 a.m. every morning and go to the gym before work so he could ride his dirt bike,” Pastrana continued. “When he came to Maryland for training, he stayed at my house and was a great role model for my kids. He was a great human being first and a hard worker second. And thirdly, she was a bad mother.” (Related: Famous BMX biker dies at 29 in motocross accident)
Archer made motocross history by completing the first triple backflip in a competitive environment at the Nitro World Games in Brisbane, Australia in November 2022. This feat was the culmination of three years of relentless training, with many setbacks and setbacks. ESPN quoted Archer as saying that he has experienced the injury himself and that the journey has been transformative.
“Words cannot describe this feeling,” Archer said after performing the trick. “This is more than a trick to me. I have dedicated all of my life for the past three years to this moment. There have been many obstacles, broken bones and knockouts, but to relive that moment again. I repeated it 100 times.”
