J&R Bicycles National Team Featured Rider of the Month
Malia Alvarez
- Name: Malia Alvarez
- Nickname: Baby Mangler
- Nickname Origin: “I came up with it myself.”
- Age: 10
Introducing Malia Alvarez! Malia has been riding BMX since July 2019 and joined the J&R National Team family in 2021. When asked how she got started racing, she explained “I found an article in the paper from when my mom raced as a kid and I said I could beat her. So, we raced in the parking lot that day and she took me to a state qualifier the next morning.” This competitive BMX spirit, and lots of hard work, has driven Malia to her biggest wins. The accomplishment she is most proud of are her World titles.
Even World title holders need to keep their mental game sharp, and Malia says keeping her confidence up is the biggest challenge she faces while racing BMX. Her favorite part of BMX races is getting to travel and in her opinion, the Orlando track is the best because it’s so smooth. And just like Malia’s favorite rider, Mariana Pajon, she has her sights set on the Olympics. For now, Malia is focusing on the upcoming Worlds and is stoked they are happening right here in the U.S. We look forward to seeing you on the podium, Malia! Best of luck from the whole J&R family!
Fun Facts about Malia:
- I play travel softball between racing, I am a catcher and have switched to being a left handed batter.
- I love playing basketball and had a game winning shot in a tournament in our second overtime.
- I am homeschooled now.
- I love science and math.
- I really want to be in the Olympics one day.