A front-flip is a near impossible feat in itself, so the best most of us will achieve is attempting and, most likely, failing to complete one on a trampoline.
However, home-grown hero Rob Adelberg has not only built a career out of performing incredible flips on his motorbike, he’s recently cemented his place in Australian sporting legend with his iconic no-handed front-flip.
His signature move has once again won him accolades as he became the most medalled Australian athlete in X-Games history on Sunday, May 14, when he won silver in the Moto X Best Trick event.
It was not a record that Adelberg set out to break when competing in Japan.
“It’s not something I’ve really been chasing,” Adelberg said.
“It’s a little pat on the back (for continued success).
“I’m a very proud Australian, so to share a podium with friends and fellow countrymen who I’ve been riding with for years is special.”
Australian riders swept the Moto X Best Trick final podium with their front and double backflip variations.
-Adelberg’s score of 96 for his no-hander front-flip was only just bettered by Jackson Strong who scored 96.33 for an untucked no hander front-flip in his second run to bring home gold.
It was the 16th time the Benalla resident had been on the podium at the X-Games, breaking Jarryd McNeil’s record for the Australian to have won the most medals in the history of the games.
Despite his illustrious career, Adelberg is not immune to the nerves that come with performing extreme tricks.
Under the lights of the X-Games when performing the most difficult tricks is when Rob says the nerves and adrenaline is pumping the most.
“I’m always nervous about messing up. I don’t want to look silly or put myself in danger,” he said.
The boy from Benalla is always looking forward to how he can take his tricks to the next level and how he can secure the gold medal at X-Games California in July.
“LA is the biggest, best event of the year and adding in a new ramp gives the opportunity to do a trick that hasn’t been seen before,” Adelberg said.
All eyes will be on Adelberg as he once again strives to soar to new heights in LA when we get to find out exactly what that new trick is.