Nov 18, 2020

Rider Spotlight: Kiana Clay

Name: Kiana Clay

Age: 26

Fun fact about you(non racing related):

-I really enjoy doing art and knitting! Its really therapeutic and allows me to slow down from my busy schedule.

How long have you been riding/racing? How long have you been snowboarding?:

-I have been racing/ riding since I was 7 years old. I have been snowboarding since I was 4!

How did riding become a part of your life?:

-Ever since I can remember, I've always had a need for speed! Whether it was riding my skateboard, rollerblades, BMX bike... I just wanted to go fast. Being born and raised in Southern California, extreme sports surrounds you, especially motocross. My dad got me my first bike when I was 7 which was a PW80. When I slung my leg over my bike and felt the throttle, I was instantly hooked. Racing became my passion then.

Who are some of your inspirations in the Moto industry?:

-Back before my accident, I looked up to a lot of riders... Ashley Fiolek being one of them. Funny enough, we're now friends today which is crazy. She still inspires me, but honestly, every girl that rides inspires me! I know the mentality that goes behind being a woman trying to be apart of a male dominant sport, and I love hearing and knowing that girls are still getting involved even with the lack of actually succeeding at a career in the industry. Thats true passion right there; riding because you genuinely love it not because of what it can offer you career wise, and that inspires me.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve come across in the racing industry?:

-Getting actual support. People will say 'Oh it's awesome what you do', or 'It's so inspiring what you're doing'. But companies don't want to actually support you financially or help get adaptive classes in more races to create more opportunities. Same with women. The career opportunities for women dropped since the early 2000s and its heart breaking. I love the sport, don't get me wrong, but there truly needs to be more equal opportunities.

How do you think things could be improved for women in the racing world?:

-Equal pay, equal factory opportunity, a full race series and same benefits that the men get. To treat and spot light women the same way they do the men.

What made you take the leap into snowboarding?:

-I've always had a huge passion and love for snowboarding. During the time the opportunity was presented to me, I was going through the hardest time of my life. I basically lost everything so I said 'why not'. I learned that sometimes you gotta lose everything in order to receive everything that you dreamed of. I'm beyond grateful for snowboarding. During that time, it truly saved my life and gave me back some purpose.

What advice do you have for young girls starting out in racing, or in any sport?:

-Don't ever let someone tell you that you can't do something. Parents, friends, coworkers, mentors, ect. You gotta set your mind and your heart to your goals. When you truly set your mind to something, you're unstoppable. You have to stay focused, passionate, determined, and motivated.

What are your plans for the future as far as racing or snowboarding?:

-I plan to one day race in Lorettas and to be the first adaptive female to compete. For snowboarding, I'm planning to compete in the next 2022 Paralympics as the first upper limb female to represent the United States, as well as creating the category and paving the way for other future upper limb females. Create more opportunities for females and adaptive athletes!