Motocross is an exciting sport. Riders push the limits of what they can do on two wheels. One trick defines freestyle motocross history—the backflip. Many think backflips on dirt bikes have existed for decades. However, the race to land the first successful backflip started only in the early 2000s.
This article looks at the first person to land a backflip on a dirt bike. We’ll also discuss how the trick evolved and its impact on the sport.
The Evolution of Freestyle Motocross (FMX)
Before you try your first backflip, it’s good to understand freestyle motocross (FMX) and how it has grown. FMX emerged in the 1990s as an offshoot of traditional motocross racing. FMX wasn’t just about speed and agility. It focused on style, creativity, and extreme stunts.
Riders began experimenting with aerial tricks, such as no-handers, heel-clickers, and superman grabs. But as the sport evolved, so did the desire to push limits. By the late 1990s, a question loomed over the FMX community: Could a backflip be possible on a dirt bike?
Who Was The First Person To Do A Backflip on a Dirt Bike?
The first person to successfully land a backflip on a dirt bike was Caleb Wyatt. On April 25, 2002, Wyatt made history by becoming the first rider to complete a full backflip on a 250cc dirt bike. This big moment happened in a private setting, not in a competition, but it showed the stunt could be done.
How Caleb Wyatt Made History
Caleb Wyatt’s backflip was no accident. It came from hard practice, physics, and strong determination. Wyatt succeeded where others failed. He perfected his technique by balancing speed, throttle control, and body movement. This allowed him to complete the rotation safely.
Wyatt might not have received as much media attention as later backflippers. However, he is the first motocross rider to land a full backflip on a dirt bike.
The Rivalry: Mike Metzger vs. Carey Hart
While Caleb Wyatt was the first to land a backflip successfully, he wasn’t the only one trying. Carey Hart and Mike Metzger are two legendary riders. They helped make backflips popular in freestyle motocross competitions.
Carey Hart’s Attempt at the 2000 Gravity Games
Carey Hart is often mistakenly credited as the first rider to land a backflip. The truth is, he attempted one in 2000 at the Gravity Games, but he failed to land it cleanly. Hart completed the rotation, but he couldn’t ride away smoothly. This made his attempt technically unsuccessful.
Hart’s bold attempt, even though it didn’t succeed, inspired a whole generation of riders to chase the backflip.
Mike Metzger’s Historic Moment in 2002
Two months after Caleb Wyatt’s big win, Mike Metzger made history. He was the first rider to land a backflip in a competition. In 2002, at the X Games, Metzger stunned everyone by landing back-to-back backflips. This feat earned him the nickname The Godfather of Freestyle Motocross.
His great performance at a big event made the backflip popular in FMX and changed the sport for good.
The Evolution of the Backflip: From Single to Triple
Once the backflip was established, riders began pushing its limits further. Over the years, what was once deemed impossible turned into the foundation of FMX.
Travis Pastrana’s Double Backflip (2006)
In 2006, Travis Pastrana, a legend in FMX, made history. He landed the first double backflip ever in competition at the X Games. The trick was so groundbreaking that it left the audience and fellow riders in awe.
Pastrana’s double backflip required tremendous speed, precise timing, and incredible body control. He tried it just once in competition, but it’s still one of the most famous moments in extreme sports history.
Josh Sheehan’s Triple Backflip (2015)
After nearly ten years of wondering if a triple backflip could be done, Josh Sheehan made history. He successfully landed a triple backflip on April 29, 2015. At Nitro Circus, Sheehan amazed everyone. He completed three full rotations and landed perfectly, defying gravity.
This record-breaking achievement secured Sheehan’s spot in FMX history and opened up new possibilities for the sport.
What Makes a Backflip So Difficult?
Many people wonder, Why is a backflip on a dirt bike such a big deal? The answer lies in the physics and technique required.
Key Challenges of Performing a Backflip
- Weight and Momentum – Unlike BMX bikes or skateboards, dirt bikes weigh around 250 pounds. Generating enough rotation while controlling the weight distribution is extremely difficult.
- Speed and Ramp Angle – The rider must approach the ramp at the perfect speed and angle to gain enough air and complete the rotation.
- Throttle Control – Too much throttle can cause the bike to over-rotate, while too little can result in under-rotation.
- Landing Precision – In a backflip, riders can’t use their legs to absorb impact like in other tricks. Instead, they need perfect timing to land safely.
The Legacy of the Dirt Bike Backflip
Since Caleb Wyatt’s historic achievement in 2002, backflips have become a standard trick in freestyle motocross. Today, they are often incorporated into complex combinations, such as:
- Backflip Superman
- Backflip No-Hander
- Double Grab Backflip
- Cordova Backflip
FMX riders continue to innovate, adding new variations and pushing the sport’s boundaries.
FAQs
1. Who was the first person to land a backflip on a dirt bike?
Caleb Wyatt was the first person to successfully land a backflip on a dirt bike in 2002.
2. Did Carey Hart land the first backflip?
No, Carey Hart attempted the first backflip in competition in 2000, but he failed to land it cleanly.
3. Who was the first to land a backflip in competition?
Mike Metzger was the first to land a backflip in competition at the 2002 X Games.
4. When was the first double backflip performed?
Travis Pastrana landed the first double backflip in 2006 at the X Games.
5. Has anyone landed a triple backflip?
Yes, Josh Sheehan landed the first-ever triple backflip on April 29, 2015.
Conclusion
Caleb Wyatt was the first to land a backflip on a dirt bike in 2002. His success came after many legendary riders tried to master the trick. These included Carey Hart, Mike Metzger, Travis Pastrana, and Josh Sheehan.
Every milestone in FMX history, like a single, double, or triple backflip, shows the bravery and commitment of riders who defy gravity.
