STORIES
Sports
DONATE

Scary Mary Perkins

by Alyssa from Christchurch


Mary Perkins AKA "Scary Mary" is a New Zealand female motocross rider. Mary is a Guiness World Record holder for the longest jump on a motorbike for a female, 159.4 feet. She is one of the only female motorcross stunt riders in the world and in 2008 was voted the world's best female freestyle motocross rider.

Mary in her younger days on the farm
Mary in her younger days on the farm

Mary lives near Te Puke on the east coast of the North Island. Mary first tried riding a motorbike at the age of 14, to ride around her family's farm. Mary really liked motorbike riding and got into motocross and later moved onto stunt riding, which is where her passion lies.

Mary signing autographs
Mary signing autographs

Not long ago, the 26-year-old had a very bad accident after she dropped 4 meters off the side of a ramp. Mary's focus will now be turned to her business ‘Encounter FMX’ carrying on their shows around the country. She will also be making the most of her injured time studying counseling as Mary believes she has been given the chance to make a difference working with young people.

Big Jump at Taupo
Big Jump at Taupo

Scary Mary is my hero because she is changing people's minds about girls in motorcross, she always tries to do the best she can and is very good at what she does. Mary is also very down to earth and wants to help other girls be the best they can be too. As a Christian she is proud of her faith and shows a real concern for others.

Mary in action
Mary in action

Mary has helped put New Zealand on the map in the world of motorcross and has inspired many people, especially girls, to be their best and be passionate about what they have chosen to do.

"You’ll only ever live now, you’ll never live in the future, you’ll keep looking at it but it’s always the future and you’ll never live in the past either. You’ll always be right here and this is the only moment that matters! This is the only time you can make good decisions for the future so do the right thing here and now" ...Mary

Page created on 7/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

Last edited 7/3/2009 12:00:00 AM

The beliefs, viewpoints and opinions expressed in this hero submission on the website are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs, viewpoints and opinions of The MY HERO Project and its staff.

Related Links

Mary Perkins - Scary Marys Official Site