Hayden Kelynack is riding fast toward his mountain biking goals while showing fellow competitors the power of a positive attitude.
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The 13-year-old outdoors lover will not let any barrier veer him off track.
Hayden placed 16th out of 42 competitors in the first round of downhill mountain biking event King of Ballarat's under 15s category in May.
I love the feeling of freedom when you are going over jumps.
- Hayden Kelynack
It was an exciting rank after falling off his bike in the second timed run of the track.
When watching Hayden ride, his love for the mountain biking is clear. But an even more obvious show of his passion for the sport is the Dynamite Cycles Buninyong logo embedded onto his leg.
Hayden lost his foot in a lawn mower accident when he was seven-years-old and now has a prosthetic foot.
He spent a few months in a wheelchair after the accident and it took time create a prosthetic that was comfortable, but dad Tim said once the prosthetic was right, Hayden was up and running as soon as he could.
Both Hayden and Tim agree adjusting to life with a prosthetic foot has not changed him or slowed him down.
"It is not an issue not having an ankle for riding push bikes where as in soccer and some other sports he is limited," Tim said.
"But Hayden still played soccer and had the best kick in the team because he didn't care if he was kicking with his toes. Everyone was scared of his boot because he was kicking so far," he laughed.
"He has always been a bit of a sportsman."
Tim said Hayden had been riding push bikes and motorbikes his entire life.
"Hayden was still on training wheels when he said he wanted to ride the motorbike. I told him when he was off his training wheels he could ride it so right then he said there and then 'take them off. He was riding the motorbike at four years of age."
Despite loving most sport and outdoor activities, Hayden has started to focus on progressing his mountain biking, with the help of best friend Felix Moore who is a frequent podium placer in downhill races.
Both are members of Club Mud, Ballarat's mountain biking club, and frequently ride at Black Hill, You Yangs and on tracks not far from their homes at Scotsburn.
Hayden started competing in downhill mountain biking races two years ago, racing in all three rounds of King of Ballarat last year and the Mountain Bike Australia National Championships at Bright earlier this year.
"I love the feeling of freedom when you are going over jumps," he said.
"It is a cool feeling. Mountain biking is definitely good fun."
Hayden said he planned to continue entering different races around Victoria with hopes to work with bikes one day and spend time exploring Australia outdoors.
It is a significant achievement looking back at his experiences seven years ago after his accident, spending four weeks in hospital, six weeks in a wheelchair and time adjusting to and finding the right fit for his new foot.
Mum Jennifer and dad Tim said they could not be prouder as parents.
"Hayden is so chilled with everything he does. It doesn't phase him whether he wins or loses or breaks his bike or falls off. He just wants to get out there and have fun with his mates," Tim said. "As a father I couldn't be prouder. And I love we can jump in the car and go fishing or camping and have a bit of fun together."
KING OF BALLARAT
Hayden Kelynack will compete in the under 15s division of downhill mountain biking race King of Ballarat on Sunday June 30.
He will compete against riders from across Victoria and potentially interstate for the renowned three series race at Black Hill.
Entries to the popular race are already sold out.
Racing is scheduled to commence at 12pm on June 30 with each competitor completing two timed runs.
The riders with the lowest combined time will be deemed the winner for each of the categories.
More than 140 competition raced during the first round of King of Ballarat.
Club Mud president Graeme Coutts told The Courier in May King of Ballarat was a well-known race and was well-liked because it has a fun and comfortable family atmosphere.
Many spectators line the sides of the tracks and watch riders cross the finish line.
Coutts said the sport had been growing at a rapid rate in recent years, and was fast making up a large part of the cycling community in Ballarat.
Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
