Abby attends Elim Covenant Church in Moline with her parents Brenda and Darren, as well as her brothers.
Her 17-year-old brother, Nathaniel, got her started in the sport, Abby says. He is enthusiastic about her success, even as she has achieved a higher national ranking than him.
Olson had to race in six national events to qualify for the championship races, she says. Those races have been spread around the country, and she has raced as far away as South Dakota.
It’s a lot of travel for very little time spent actually racing. Each race lasts roughly 40 seconds. There are three qualifying rounds and the final race in each competition.
Abby actually finished third in the final race, losing to the No. 1 and No. 2 riders in the world, but she had garnered enough points in the first three rounds to finish in the top spot.
Olson practices against boys her age, which she says has helped push her. “That’s always fun to race against them.”
Abby is homeschooled and says the sport is a good way for her to meet other people. She also likes the idea that she has a flexible practice schedule.
The Olsons race at the East Moline track and have taken opportunities to serve others. They sponsored a food drive that raised $383 and 801 cans of food.
