Meet the team
Jackson “Jacko” Strong – The Innovator
Jackson Strong stands as the most decorated Moto X Best Trick athlete in X Games history. With 8 gold medals and 17 total X Games podiums, he has redefined what’s possible on a dirt bike. At Ventura 2024, Strong’s jaw‑dropping jackhammer front flip claimed gold over Rob Adelberg’s lazy boy front flip, adding yet another chapter to his legacy of progression. A relentless innovator, Jacko has stacked a list of historic firsts:
- First to land a front flip in X Games competition (2011)
- First to land a front flip in a freestyle run
- Creator of the “Jack” body varial
He trains on his family’s 20,000‑acre farm in Australia, home to one of the largest and wildest FMX compounds on Earth; foam pits, moving ramps, and heavy equipment included. Away from the spotlight, Jacko’s rugged Aussie heart shows in stories like bottle‑raising a baby kangaroo named Skip. Strong is a pioneer, a mentor, and the driving force behind the next generation of riders sharing the stage today.
Ben Richards – The Technician
Born in 2001 and raised in the FMX‑rich soils of Wagga Wagga, NSW, Ben Richards has rapidly become one of Australia’s most respected modern freestyle riders. Starting on a bike at age 4 and performing shows by 12, he and his brother Tom were the first FMX athletes recruited into the Monster Army, marking them early as riders to watch.
A former carpenter turned full‑time pro, Ben trains regularly at Jacko Strong’s compound, honing a technical, high‑precision style known for big‑air flip variations and elite trick difficulty. His career highlights include:
- X Games Moto X Best Trick Silver Medallist (2025)
- 6th in X Games Freestyle (2022)
- 6th in X Games Best Trick (2023)
- 3rd place – Nitro World Games FMX
- Touring with Airtime FMX, Nitro Circus, and Monster Energy
Whether sending massive double backflips or razor‑clean Cordova flips, Ben represents the new wave of Australian FMX talent taking on the world stage.
Tom Richards – The Next‑Gen Powerhouse
X Games rookie, Tom Richards is one of Australia’s most exciting rising stars. Born and raised in Wagga Wagga, Tom first climbed onto a JR50 at age three and never looked back. By 8 years old, he was riding at Jacko Strong’s iconic compound. By 16, he was throwing backflips to dirt under the guidance of legends like Strong and Rob Adelberg. Tom turned pro after leaving his carpentry job in 2024 to pursue FMX full‑time, quickly earning recognition for his fearless approach, explosive style, and wide range of tricks. His background includes:
- Eight years of dedicated freestyle progression
- A passion for dirt bikes, skydiving, fishing, camping, and mountain biking
With raw talent and a relentless work ethic, Tom represents the newest chapter of Australia’s FMX progression; fast, stylish, and hungry.
