By Janet Cruz

Most kids are thinking about summer vacation, but 12-year-old Stevie Welte, of Lake Havasu City, is gearing up to compete in the upcoming UCI World BMW ( Bicycle Moto Cross) Championship and will be representing the United States in Rock Hill, S.C.

“Stevie, has been racing BMX since age 3. She won her first of four consecutive state championships at age 5,” said proud parent Scott Welte.

Stevie Welte posing after a previous competition / photo submitted by Scott Welte

Welte, first became fascinated with the sport when she was only 1 years old. Her parents bought her a balance bike which she would sit on watching TV.

“She started to ride it around the house. At age 2 1/2, we began taking her to Lake Havasu BMX track. She was in love with anything bicycle from that point on,” said Scott Welte.

In order to get competition ready, Stevie has been practicing BMX about twice a week, then races at least once a week locally in Lake Havasu City and in Bullhead City.

Photo Submitted By Scott Welte

She is also involved in the Lake Havasu Mountain Bike Team and practices about three times a week putting in about 30 miles weekly, in addition to race days and she practices year round.

The training  has paid off since she has four consecutive Arizona state championships and has been in the top 10 in the area district eight out of nine years.

Also under her belt,  a few national wins and she recently finished third in the Mountain Bike Association of Arizona (MBAA) cross country series  in the 13-14 Junior Girls division.

As for being able to represent the USA, she is very excited and proud to do so.

“She has always been very patriotic, so representing the USA on such a big stage is a thrill to her. It’s been a goal of hers from the time she won her first state championship.

“She loves our military men and women. Going into the military was a dream of hers before she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes but that doesn’t stop her one bit. We couldn’t be more proud of her,” said Parent Scott Welte.

Submitted photo by Scott Welte

“We know all the hard work she has put in training on her bike and it’s exciting to see her reach this goal.”

Stevie will be competing at the UCI BMX World Championships against girls from the U.S. and other countries around the world in the 13 Girl Expert division May 12-18.

Aside from continuing cycling and working toward more championships, her other goal is to spread awareness on athletes with type 1 diabetes, and she wants to earn a scholarship through cycling.

When she isn’t on her bike, she is also an honor roll student at Calvary Christian Academy.