A young BMX prodigy and Lee’s Summit native is making waves on the national stage. Jett “The Hawk” O’Connell, at just nine years old, has quickly risen through the ranks of competitive BMX racing, capturing hearts and championships along the way.
Jett’s journey began in January 2023 with a simple visit to the local library. After checking out a book on BMX racing, Jett’s curiosity turned into a passionate plea to his mother, Tara O’Connell. “Mom, I want to race BMX,” he declared with determination. Tara recounts, “I said okay we can look into it and he said, ‘No Mom, I want to really race!’”
From that moment, the O’Connell family dove headfirst into the world of BMX. They watched videos, did extensive research, and discovered two local tracks in Raytown and Blue Springs. With a few months before the season started, they had time to prepare.
The family’s first step was to visit Bicycle Shack, a local bike shop, to gather information and find the perfect bike for Jett. Little did they know the Bicycle Shack would quickly become a second family. “We had no idea what to expect,” Tara admits. “It took one time and the child was hooked. I was blown away by everything about the sport – the families, the support, everyone was so encouraging. Jett did not want to leave.”
Jett’s natural talent quickly became evident as he began to win races. The turning point came when Jett won the 2023 State Championship with the support from the Bicycle Shack. It was then that his coaches recognized Jett’s potential and suggested he aim for the prestigious ROC 1 (Race of Champions) title.
ROC 1 is one of the most coveted titles in BMX racing, and Jett was determined to achieve it. He dedicated countless hours to practice, often talking about his dream of winning the award before bed. His hard work paid off when he won ROC 1, earning a red plate for his bike and beating out thousands of competitors to become the top racer in his age group.
“I was excited,” Jett said simply about his monumental win.
Tara vividly remembers the moment Jett won ROC 1. “I checked my heart rate and it was going crazy. At Bicycle Shack we’re a big family, all of those kids are our own kids so we cheer for everyone, but everyone was just going crazy when he won.”
Jett’s dedication to BMX is evident in his rigorous training schedule. He practices four times a week, each session lasting around four hours. “It’s fun but it’s hard. When you get used to it, it gets a lot easier,” Jett shared. His goal now is to defend his championship title in the Expert Class.
The O’Connell family is a tight-knit unit, with everyone playing a role in Jett’s racing career. His father, Ian O’Connell, records the races while Tara cheers him on from the sidelines. “Ian will rewatch the race 40 times and Jett studies the film,” Tara explained. Even Jett’s older brother, Gavin, attends races when he can and enjoys the camaraderie of the BMX team.
Traveling across the country for national races, the O’Connells often take their camper all over from Nashville to Detroit to Pennsylvania and more. When they can’t all attend, the team streams the races on Facebook so the family can watch from home.
Despite his numerous accolades, Jett remains grounded and focused on the aspects of racing he loves most – spending time with friends and the thrill of competition. “My heart beats really fast because you don’t know if you’re going to qualify,” Jett said about pre-race nerves.
His favorite races include the Music City event and his victorious 2023 State Championship race at his home track. After every race, Jett rewards himself with a Kona Ice slushie, a small treat for his big efforts.
With eight national championships under his belt, including three in his first season, Jett has his sights set on even greater heights. He dreams of one day competing in the Olympics, a goal that seems well within reach given his dedication and talent.
As Tara reflects on Jett’s journey, she emphasizes the technical precision required in BMX racing. “Even the tiniest mistake could cost you first place and knock you down to fifth,” she said.
Jett “The Hawk” O’Connell is not just a champion; he’s a testament to where passion, hard work, and family support can lead. As he continues to race towards his dreams, the community of Lee’s Summit and the BMX world will be watching and cheering him on.