Professional scooter rider from St. George to compete in Barcelona this summer

Written by Jeff Richards
May 24, 2019

ST. GEORGE — A 20-year-old professional scooter rider from St. George has qualified to compete at the International Scooter Association’s world championships in Spain in early July.

Pierce Goodwin recently competed in the ISA’s USA Nationals event at Camp Woodward, Southern California.

“I ended up taking 12th place,” Goodwin told St. George News during a recent practice at St. George’s Sk8 Park. “It’s a big jump from last year.”

Last year, Goodwin said he finished 29th.

“It just means I’m progressing a lot and making it happen.” said Goodwin, who performed several flips, spins and other trick moves during the short practice session.

Pierce Goodwin practices on his scooter at St. George Sk8 Park, St. George, Utah, May 9, 2019 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News

His custom-built two-wheel scooter and its titanium handlebars almost seemed to be an extension of Goodwin’s legs as he propelled himself, seemingly effortlessly, around the concrete contours of the skate park. He did have one minor mishap, falling and landing on his left knee and scratching it.

“I’m more worried about the pants,” he said half-jokingly, pointing to the hole. “These are expensive pants.”

Goodwin is a 2017 graduate of Dixie High School, where he was a three-sport athlete, participating in wrestling, golf and baseball. An avid skateboarder since age 8, Goodwin switched over to scooter riding in 2013 and has been honing his skills ever since.

Goodwin is currently working on perfecting his “vert” or vertical techniques, which involve the use of a U-shaped ramp, much like a halfpipe, between 12-14 feet high. He placed third overall in the vert category at the Camp Woodward event in early May.

Since February, Goodwin has been taking part in a series of top-level competitions around the country, including events held in Michigan, Arizona and California.

Pierce Goodwin, with his parents, Kory and Melinda Goodwin, shortly after he won $500 and received a worlds-qualifying “golden ticket” during a scooter competition in Escondido, Calif., April 14, 2019 | Photo courtesy of Melinda Goodwin, St. George News

It was his third-place overall finish in Escondido, California, in mid-April that Goodwin earned his “golden ticket” qualifying him for the ISA worlds in Barcelona Spain July 5-7, as well as a check for $500.

Also known as “Extreme Barcelona,” the invitational-only competition brings together the world’s best riders, Goodwin said.

“It’s the top 50 riders in the entire world, who compete, pretty much, for fame and glory,” Goodwin said, comparing it to the United States’ X Games. “Fortunately, this year, I’m one of the top 50 riders in the world-class ranking system.”

Goodwin is currently preparing to travel to back to California to Woodward West in June to work as a camp counselor and practice for his worlds debut.

Then, in late June, the week before the world competition, Goodwin said he will fly to the United Kingdom and spend a few days touring with one of his top supporters: scooter sponsor The Real District. Then, he’ll meet up with his own family in Barcelona in time for the three-day competition.

Goodwin said he’s also very appreciative for the support of his main local sponsor, Dialed Pro Scooters of St. George. The shop is owned and operated by Juddy Anderson, who Goodwin says is one of his biggest cheerleaders and fans in addition to being a major contributor to the competition season.

Another key sponsor is S1 helmets, which supplies Goodwin’s headgear and protective pads.

Goodwin said he and his family are “super excited” to be able to make what will be their first visit to Europe.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” he said. “I’m excited to get out there.”

Goodwin invites fans to follow him via Instagram @pierce.goodwin

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Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @STGnews

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2019, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jeff Richards, a native of Salt Lake City with family roots in Panguitch, lived in Moab for 20 years before joining St. George News in 2017. Jeff is a longtime journalist and secondary school teacher. He and his wife Penny are the parents of five daughters. They also have two young grandsons. Jeff and his family enjoy swimming, camping, sightseeing, reading, and taking pictures.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews@moabjeff@stgnewssports

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