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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter

UNITED States-based motocross rider Tanya Muzinda marked another milestone on the track as she emerged the winner for 2021 Bartow National Motocross Championship Series in the 125cc Class.

Muzinda was crowned champion in the 125cc mixed boys two stroke class.

This was Muzinda’s first full season championship win outside Zimbabwe.

She previously competed outside Zimbabwe before she moved to Florida, United States, together with her family in 2019 for more exposure and competition as she pursues her dream of becoming a fully-fledged professional motocross rider.

“I was crowned the points leader and Champion 2021 Bartow National Motocross Championship Series in the 125cc mixed boys two stroke class. This is my first ever full season championship win outside Zimbabwe.

“Many thanks to my sponsors and friends to fulfill the 24 leg series,” Muzinda said from her base in Florida yesterday. She competed and won a number of the races in the Bartow Championship Series in the 125cc Class, racing against both men and women.

The promising rider has continued to rise over the years.

Recently, she was named among BBC’s 100 Women 2021 list, celebrating the most influential women who have made a difference in their communities.

“Taking on the male-dominated world of motocross, or off-road motorcycle racing, Tanya Muzinda has become her country’s off-road circuit champion. She is the first Zimbabwean woman to win a motocross championship since the competition started in 1957,” the BBC said.

She has won the Annual National Sports Awards being crowned the Junior Sportswoman of the Year in recognition of her efforts.

In 2018, she was crowned the African Union Sports Council Region Five Regional Awards Junior Sportswoman of the Year.

The 17-year-old continues to defy the odds and the future looks bright for her in her chosen sport.