In a recent candid interview, Eli Tomac, one of the most dominant figures in motocross and supercross, revealed a rare glimpse of vulnerability, discussing the mental and emotional challenges he faces on the track. Known for his aggressive riding style and relentless pursuit of victory, Tomac opened up about moments of fear and hesitation, acknowledging that even the most experienced riders aren’t immune to the dangers of the sport. His honesty not only sheds light on the psychological toll that motocross takes on athletes but also humanizes a rider often seen as fearless.
A Career Built on Bravery
Eli Tomac’s journey to becoming a motocross legend is well-documented. With multiple championships to his name, including AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross titles, Tomac has established himself as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His ability to dominate on a variety of tracks, in different conditions, and under immense pressure has earned him a reputation as an unshakable competitor. Fans and fellow riders alike have long admired his ability to push the limits of speed and control, often performing feats that seem beyond human capability.
However, Tomac’s latest interview reveals a more nuanced side of his racing career. While his track record suggests a man impervious to the risks and fears that come with high-speed racing, his comments show that the psychological side of motocross is as critical as the physical.
“Sometimes I Am Scared”
During the interview, Tomac admitted, “There are times out there on the track where I feel genuinely scared.” For fans who view him as almost invincible, this admission came as a surprise. Tomac went on to explain that the fear is not constant, but it can surface during particularly tricky moments—whether it’s a massive jump, a tricky section of the track, or racing in dangerous weather conditions.
He elaborated that the fear isn’t just about physical injury, though that’s always a concern. “It’s the unknown that can get to you sometimes,” Tomac said. “You’re pushing the bike to its limits, and there’s always a part of you that knows something could go wrong. A small mistake could lead to a massive crash, and that thought is always in the back of your mind.”
Tomac emphasized that these moments of fear don’t dominate his mind but can strike unexpectedly, often when he’s in the midst of a particularly difficult race or facing intense competition. “You can’t let it control you,” he explained. “But it’s there. I think any rider who says they’re never scared is probably lying.”
Managing Fear: A Part of the Sport
The mental fortitude it takes to overcome these moments is what separates elite riders like Tomac from the rest. “Fear is part of motocross,” he said. “The difference is how you handle it. Some guys might back off, but you can’t afford to if you want to win. You have to trust in your training, your equipment, and your instincts.”
Tomac also noted that as he’s matured as a rider, his ability to manage fear has improved. “When I was younger, I think I didn’t really know how to process it. I’d get freaked out, and it would affect my riding. But now, I’ve learned how to compartmentalize it. It’s not that it goes away, but I’ve figured out how to push through it.”
This mental skill is what allows Tomac to continue performing at the highest level, even in the face of new, younger competitors and evolving challenges. “It’s a mental game as much as a physical one,” he added. “You have to be able to stay focused and block out that fear, especially when you’re fighting for a championship.”
The Risk of Injury
Tomac’s admission of fear also comes in the context of a sport known for its high injury rate. Throughout his career, Tomac has endured his fair share of injuries, from broken bones to dislocated shoulders. His brutal crash at the 2023 Denver Supercross, which resulted in a ruptured Achilles tendon, was one of the most severe injuries of his career, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the season and leaving fans wondering if it marked the end of an era for the rider.
“When you’ve been through crashes like that, you can’t help but have it in the back of your mind,” Tomac admitted. “But you also have to block it out when you’re on the bike. If you’re too cautious, you’re not going to be competitive. It’s a balance.”
The physical risk in motocross is immense, and Tomac’s acknowledgment of fear highlights the mental toughness required to keep coming back from injury and continue competing at the highest level. The fine line between bravery and caution is one that Tomac and his fellow riders must constantly walk.
A New Perspective
Now, as one of the veteran riders in the sport, Tomac’s perspective on fear has evolved. He’s no longer the fearless young rider willing to throw caution to the wind. Instead, he approaches each race with a more calculated mindset, understanding the risks but also confident in his abilities.
“I think as you get older, you start to respect the sport in a different way,” he said. “You’re still hungry for wins, but you’re also more aware of the risks. That’s just part of being human.”
This evolution in his mindset may also reflect Tomac’s broader outlook on his career. With rumors circulating about potential retirement in the near future, Tomac has become more reflective about the sport and his place in it. “I’ve been doing this for a long time, and you start to think about your legacy, your health, and what’s next. But right now, I’m still focused on winning, on giving everything I have.”
Conclusion: A Testament to Mental Strength
Eli Tomac’s recent admission about fear on the track offers a rare and insightful look into the mind of one of motocross’s greatest champions. His openness about facing moments of fear, and his ability to push through them, speaks to the immense mental strength required to compete at the elite level in such a dangerous sport.
For fans, it’s a reminder that even the greatest athletes are human, grappling with the same emotions that many of us do in high-pressure situations. And for fellow riders, Tomac’s words serve as a testament to the mental toughness and resilience required to succeed in motocross—a sport where fear is ever-present, but overcoming it is what makes champions.
