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One of the top five greatest BMX riders in history, Dave Mirra, was recently honored for the leadership he left behind for the Mirra family.
Junior Mackenzie Mirra was just eight years old when her father unfortunately passed. She never thought of her dad as someone who was famous but as a loving father and her built-in best friend.
“He wasn't just my dad, but he was my best friend,” Mackenzie said. “He was someone who wouldn't give me the easy way out but someone who pushed me to become better.”
Mackenzie expresses that her father is not just an inspiration to her but to people all around the world. He frequently hung out at the skate park with other riders and was always welcoming to everyone around him.
“My dad just always talked to people and always stayed humble,” Mackenzie said. “He never let the fame get to him as if he was better than anyone else.” The Dave Mirra Memorial strongly reflects the love and influence Mirra's father left on others. Many people came out as a community to express their support for the Mirra family. It was a day of celebration for his life and memories. Mirra hopes this allows everyone to see him as a father and friend rather than just a celebrity.
Photo by Edward Kennedy
“My dad, being a professional BMX rider, impacted my life as he's impacted so many people, not just his fame, but who he is and how he treated everyone,” Mirra said. “It puts into perspective that you don't need to be known to impact someone; you impact someone every day.”
Dave has inspired her to respect everyone the same, which is a lesson she lives by. Mackenzie knows it can be challenging, but she stays determined to use these lessons to honor her father.
“My dad always believed in treating everyone the same, and I think that’s what made him who he was and how he impacted so many people,” Mackenzie said. “That is something I live by and aspire to be like.”
Although Dave Mirra passed away when Mackenzie was young, the memories still stay vivid to her.
“We would go to Starbucks every morning, and then we would ride dirt bikes,” Mackenzie said. “I really enjoy having quality time with [my dad], so that was always really special to me.”
With those memories, she hopes she can share her viewpoint and stories with others about her and her dad’s relationship. There is currently a documentary in the making showcasing her father's life, in tribute to his legacy. Mackenzie has many things she wants people to know and recognize her father for.
“I hope his legacy leaves behind inspiration to [people] to keep going, and if you have a dream you should chase it,” Mackenzie said. “I want him to be remembered, not just for his fame, but who he really was as a person.”
