Any MTB-ers remember Missy Giove?

littlegreenman

For those that don't, Melissa "Missy" Giove pretty much invented the modern way of downhill racing back in the day. Not racing on the limit, ignoring the limit and just smashing it, and herself. 2 time World Champion and multiple World Cups, and raced with a dessicated ex-pet pirahnna around her neck!

I remember watching her race and it was worlds apart from any of her contemporaries, untouchable at her prime.

Well, her life took an interesting turn or two! And Lance thinks he had a wild ride?

thermionic

Missy The Missile!

Yes, I read that story a couple of months ago.

littlegreenman

thermionic said:

Missy The Missile!

Yes, I read that story a couple of months ago.

It's both inspiring and sad I think. And true of so many niche sports, how you can at the pinnacle and earning good money and then an injury later and you're yesterday's news.

Missy made me realise I could ride an MTB like a BMX and jump them, and ride halfpipes on them (much to the bemusement of the CrankWerx lads!).

One of my very few idols. Good to see she seems to have made it through the harsher times (hopefully), very sad to see she now has to now say goodbye to her wife like that.

duotone

Never heard of her tbh, but I’m glad that I watched the video.  Very sad.

Heartfeltdawn

littlegreenman said:

thermionic said:

Missy The Missile!

Yes, I read that story a couple of months ago.

It's both inspiring and sad I think. And true of so many niche sports, how you can at the pinnacle and earning good money and then an injury later and you're yesterday's news.

It brings to mind the story of Chris Lewis. To go from Test cricketer to shunned by people in the game for reporting illegal approaches by a bookmaker and treated poorly to jail time for cocaine smuggling is one hell of a tale. 

http://www.espncricinfo.com/story/_/id/20626839/to-make-sure-story-better-ending

m_c

Missy is a legend, and just one of some very colourful characters who dominated the sport then.