Jackson "Jacko" Strong has become the first Australian to win back-to-back gold medals in the X-Games Moto Best Trick category.
Strong created history in 2011, when he landed the first ever front-flip in competition. Twelve months on and he has done it again, this time with his never before seen body varial "The Jack".
In taking his second consecutive gold medal, the 20 year old from Lockart NSW edged out Japan's Taka Higashino and fellow Australian Cameron Sinclair.
"It was great to finally roll out the new trick," Strong said. "It has been six months in the making and to be honest, it is quite a scary one to put down.
"There was a lot of work go into perfecting this jump. I did a weeks circus school training to learn the various techniques required for the off bike movement and countless hours in the foam pit.
Strong endured a tumultuous lead-up to this weekend's X-Games 18. His best mate Luke Stojanovic was seriously injured in a horrific practice crash and a delay in processing his passport at US Consulate in Sydney meant he only arrived in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
X-Games Moto Best Trick Results:
1. Jackson Strong 906 Lockhart, Australia 91.00
2. Taka Higashino 901 Osaka, Japan 90.33
3. Cameron Sinclair 905 Pearcedale, Australia 89.33
4. Thomas Pages 904 Biarritz, France 88.66
5. Clinton Moore 999 Bundaberg, Australia 86.66
6. Kyle Loza 902 Rancho Santa Margarita, Calif. 62.00
7. Bruce Cook 900 Kelowna, Canada 61.33
8. Mark Monea 903 Koo Wee Rup, Australia 61.00
"It was rush to get here," Stong continued. "So many things nearly prevented me from coming, but it was worth it in the end.
"I want to dedicate tonight's win to my best mate Luke Stojanovic who is in hospital back in Australia. I can't wait to get back to hang with you buddy."
Strong is expected to head back to Australia next week.
