Tim Daniels Speaks out About Dom’s Tulsa Speech

Got an email from Tim Daniels (Dominique’s Dad) the other day. He wanted to set the record straight on a couple of points relating to Dom’s acceptance speech at the 2009 ABA Grands, where she directly addressed so-called “haters.” We felt that, rather than editorialize Tim’s comments, we would bring his statement to you directly.

This post is to provide a little background on Dominique’s acceptance speech at the ABA Grands. I have had more than a few people ask me what she meant by “Haters not being able to discourage her and that they would only make her stronger.” In previous years I had an idea of what she would say because we would talk about her speech and she would make notes for the podium. This year I had no idea of what she intended to say and I was very proud of her thoughtfulness toward Erin Shaefer. I also understood the “Haters” comment, based on certain circumstances which I would now like to let everyone in on.

Many people do not know that, for the past three Grands, she has had to race with the knowledge that someone has tampered with her bike. We have found loose chain rings, headsets, handlebars, cut tires, loose wheel nuts, and this year, spokes were literally cut-through on her front and rear wheels. These problems were found after her bike had been checked by myself and mechanics at the track, so there is no doubt what happened. We try to keep a close eye on her bike, but with her schedule, it is impossible to watch it 24/7.

I have asked her to take stuff like this in stride but, honestly, she shouldn’t have to. I know in my heart that it is probably one, or perhaps, a small group of individuals who may think they are helping someone else in her class by doing this. But, to the person(s) responsible, I can say with confidence, that the rider you think you are helping doesn’t want to win that way.

Back to the podium speech, Dom told me she was just angry and should have been in better control. She also said that many of the young riders she spoke to throughout the weekend asked her “how do you deal with people being mean or saying mean things in the staging area?” That added to her frustration. This is not meant to start a lot of discussion, but just to shed some light on the motivation behind her comments.

The BMX community is by far the most family-friendly group in sports, and this kind of action toward Dom is not the norm. We harbor no ill will or bad feelings. I hope it never happens again, though we will keep checking her bike diligently. I thank all those who have helped keep her safe, because the last thing I want is for her to be seriously injured because of actions like this.

Thank You,
Tim Daniels