Tanyaradzwa 'Tanya' Muzinda is not your average teenager…..
At just 16, she is already a Zimbabwean motocross champion and she's on a mission to become the first female motocross world champion from the African continent. She’s already speeding her way there after winning a gold medal in South Africa FIM Motocross of Nations, bronze in the British Girls’ National Motocross Championships AND the African Union Sports Council crowned her Junior Sportswoman of the Year in 2018. Tanya also went on to make history last year when she became the first female racer ever to win a heat at the MX Master Kids Championship in the U.K.
She’s made plenty of history already, no doubt, but how to do you take the talent first developed at Donnybrook Raceway in Harare, and mould it into the first female motocross champion from the African continent? We caught up with Tanya to talk about her career so far, her passion for riding and what lies ahead in the future for her. Prepare to be inspired!
Interview by @Rosalind Duignan-Pearson
Hey Tanya! So, how old were you when you first started riding motorcycles and how did you get into it as a competitive sport?
I first got involved when I was 5 years old and my dad’s friend invited us to the motocross track to see if I was interested. When we got to the track, he was shocked to see that I was a girl but he still gave me the opportunity to ride. So I got on the bike, rode a few times, and fell. After that l told my parents I didn’t want to go back because I was too scared; luckily they gave me words of encouragement and I got back on the bike. Ever since I’ve never wanted to get off the bike.
What made you decide to begin competing specifically in motocross?
Motocross is a sport that you barely hear about especially in Africa and few girls are exposed to it. I wanted to inspire girls out there and show them that anything is possible if you put your mind and heart to it. I have experienced gender criticism from a lot of people because of the sport that l play. I know a lot of sports that girls want to try motocross but fear to do it because of what people will say. I want to change that.
Do you see many girls and women racing in Zimbabwe? Do you feel like there are more riders now than when you started?
Since motocross is a very expensive sport, it is not very big in Zimbabwe, nor wider Africa, and there are few women and girls involved. As I have travelled around the world, I have been exposed to so many more women riding motocross. In Europe and the United States, they have girls teams, girls training camps, and so many female-friendly facilities. Back in Zimbabwe, when I was much younger, we had a lot more riders compared to now, but the ongoing economic crisis has had an impact on involvement - not many parents are willing to get their children involved in such an expensive sport.
What advice would you give to other young girls wanting to get into motocross?
My advice to young girls who want to get into motocross or any sport is to always remember where you came from. The road is not easy, not everyone wishes the best for you or will support you. Always keep your head up and remember to never give up! Everything takes time, sacrifice, and determination. It will all be worth it in the end.
Who have been the people that have influenced your career the most so far?
My manager and mentor, Stefy Bau, has influenced my career so much. I look up to her as she started racing at the young age of 6 in Italy, her home country. She won 7 Italian National Championships, 5 US National Championships, and 3 Women’s World Championships. Meeting her really changed my career path and I will forever be grateful. She inspired my journey of showing girls out there that anything is possible and that the sky is the limit. Her guidance really helped and made a big impact on my journey, considering that she has been in the industry for a long time. I consider her as a part of my family now because she has always been there to guide me and help me throughout my journey.
“Always keep your head up and remember to never give up. Everything takes time, sacrifice, and determination. It will all be worth it in the end.”
What are you currently riding and what do you like most about your current set up?
l am currently riding the new 2021, KTM 125CC. What l love most is that it’s a bigger and newer model, meaning that it is faster and improved.
What’s your favourite track to race at?
My favourite track is the race track at Motoland Mildenhall track at Bury St Edmunds just outside London. l raced here for a whole weekend when I was competing in my first ever race overseas. I think since it was the first race track I raced overseas and won my first international race on, it holds a special place in my heart. I love the way that track is built, from the jumps, corners, and the amount of dirt put in the track.
If you could choose anywhere in the world to ride where would be your dream track that you’d love to race at?
I would love to race at the Lommel Race Track in Belgium. I have been to Belgium once and saw one of the biggest motocross races at that race track.
You’ve posted a lot about environmental issues and electric bikes on your Instagram in the past - Have you ridden an electric bike or raced on one yet?
I recently borrowed and tested an electric motocross bike from a fellow rider at the track. It felt way faster and lighter than my normal bike. It was also a lot quieter and the take-off was so amazing. I really enjoyed riding it and I hope to see electric bikes more often at the track and maybe even some electric classes at events happening sometime soon. There is still a way to go before they get it right for motocross as they still have to make the bikes equipped enough to handle everything that happens on the motocross track but I can’t wait until then!
Are you interested in road riding one day?
Yes, I have always been interested in road bikes. l do get a little bit worried about my safety on the road, considering that there is no full protection in case of an impact. l do hope one day that I’ll be able to purchase and ride my own road bike.
Who are some of your heroes in the motorsport world?
James Stewart Junior @therealjs7
Livia Lancelot @livialancelot114
Chase Sexton @chasesexton
Ashley Fiolek @af67
What do you feel has been your biggest career achievement so far?
My most outstanding achievement would be winning the Southern Africa Sports Woman of 2018. This was really big for me because there are so many outstanding athletes in Southern Africa so being chosen as the best really meant the world to me!
What are your racing goals for the future?
To be the first ever black African to race in a women’s World Championships and hopefully to win it too! This has actually been my major goal for the past few years. As for now, I just have to spend my time preparing and training as much as possible because I know it’s not going to be easy.
