Featured Athlete: Massimo “Mo” Morson, 10 yrs old

by: Mo Morson

My name is Massimo “Mo”, I’m 10 years old.  I’ve been riding bikes since I was 2 years old and love everything about biking and being in the outdoors.  In addition to riding my bike, I also love to swim and run on the trails of Marin. The first major bike race I competed in, was the US Nationals Mountain bike race when I was 7. 

Since I compete in swimming and biking, I thought it would be a good challenge to try a triathlon.  My Dad and I searched on the internet and found the Wildflower Triathlon website.  The tri looked like lots of fun, there was camping and we could eat pasta the night before the race.  Wow…the Wildflower Sprint race was the most challenging event I have ever competed in.  Everybody helped cheer me on, even the athletes.  I placed 81 overall in the adult division and first in the 12 and under division. It was a great accomplishment for me. I loved the Wildflower community, the support from the volunteers and college students. 

On May 6th, I will return to the Wildflower start-line.  My goal is to improve my time and most importantly raise money for an organization that means a lot to me.  I have had the opportunity to volunteer for Trips for Kids of Marin, a local non profit in San Rafael.  TFK provides bike programs for underserved youths in the Bay Area.  It’s an amazing experience to volunteer on a TFK Trail Ride.  Kids, my age, from all different backgrounds and ability levels come together to enjoy riding and the outdoors. TFK Marin’s Mission stands for what I believe in, “To provide transformative cycling experiences for underserved youth. Our programs build self-esteem, inspire healthy lifestyles and instill environmental values.” 

For the next five weeks my goal is to raise $500 for TFK Marin.  The money raised will help buy bikes, helmets, healthy snacks and support the TFK Trail Ride, Earn a Bike and Mobile Bike Workshop programs. If you want to help me here’s my link: https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/gomo-wildflower-for-trips-for-kids-marin

For more information on Trips for Kids Marin, visit:  http:// www.tripsforkidsmarin.org   

Tri’s can be lots of fun. I learn about how to prepare myself for all 3 sports. They give me self confidence to push through challenging moments when I am competing.  When I feel nervous, my dad says that I should not focus on the results but just do your personal best.  

Watch Mo’s race the 2016 Wildflower Sprint triathlon: