Jayden “Jayo” Archer, a freestyle motocross athlete known for his daring feats, including being the first rider to execute a triple backflip in competition, tragically passed away while practicing the trick in his hometown of Melbourne, Australia. He was 27 years old.
Archer, a respected figure within the Australian motocross scene and a prominent member of the Nitro Circus, founded by the renowned multisport athlete Travis Pastrana, was celebrated for his efforts in advancing the sport of freestyle motocross, even when recognition and incentives were scarce.
“The Nitro Circus family is mourning the loss of Jayo Archer. Jayo was the epitome of passion, hard work & determination. He pushed what was possible on a dirt bike to heights never seen before. A positive influence to those around him. And above all else a great human being and friend to us all.Sending our thoughts and love to Jayo’s family and friends.We love you mate. Ride in peaceĀ
Travis Pastrana, who co-found Nitro Circus, spoke with Roenigk about Archer and his legacy.
“This really hit home,” Pastrana told Roenigk. “Jayo grew up in a time when action sports was at its biggest, and he always wanted to do the big stuff like the double and the triple, even though there weren’t a lot of places to showcase those bigger tricks. He’d get up every morning at 4 a.m. and go to the gym before work so he could ride his dirt bike. When he came to Maryland to train, he stayed at my house and was an incredible role model to my kids. He was a great human first, a hard worker second and a bad motherf–ker third.”
Archer constructed an excellent resume, highlighted by his triple back flip at the 2022 Nitro World Games in Brisbane, Australia. He performed that feat during the Best Trick competition.