THE ANIMA COLLECTIVE:
Jazlyn Smith
CAREFREE GO FOR IT MINDSET:
Jaz has earned a name for herself across the western states for her ability and speed on the bike—something Jaz keeps quiet to herself. The constant striving for results and quicker times did come at a cost; Jaz was beginning to lose touch with the most important parts that made Jaz, Jaz.
After years of competing, she took a step back and reemerged with a fresh perspective on how she wants to continue her involvement in the bike industry. In short, Jaz has decided to appreciate the person she truly is, with more determination than ever before to be herself on and off the bike.
We were able to sit down with Jaz to hear more about her perspective on the bike industry, what authenticity really means, and how she uses artistic expression to get in tune with herself on and off the bike.
AUTHENTICITY IS A HOT TOPIC TODAY. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE IT THROUGH YOUR PERSONAL EXPERIENCES?
Authenticity to me is about embracing my true self in all aspects of my life. It means being truthful to myself and others while not succumbing to external pressures. In the bike industry, I often felt pressured about my performance and riding style. These expectations sometimes conflicted with who I am and changed how I viewed the sport. By taking a step back, I learned to appreciate my individual style, allowing me to connect more deeply with the sport and as an athlete.
Outside of biking, I found myself conforming to social norms out of fear of rejection from peers. This caused me to hide parts of myself to fit into stereotypes. Finding my true self has been a challenging journey and an ongoing experiment. I’ve discovered that surrounding myself with caring, non judgmental people creates a safe space for authenticity. I am thankful for my friends inside and outside the bike community who provide a comfortable, safe environment for me to be my true self.
HOW DO YOU USE YOUR ARTISTIC EXPRESSION TO DEFINE YOU ON AND OFF THE BIKE?
Artistic expression can be seen in my riding through my line choice and riding technique. On the trails every rider has a different way of navigating the terrain, and for me this is an opportunity to be creative. The art of choosing a line can create a riding experience that can be fluid, efficient and fast. My riding technique is another aspect that allows me to express myself artistically on a bike. Whether it is my approach to a technical section, style on jumps, or the position to ride a corner smoothly, my technique shows my individuality and artistic expression.
Off the bike, I switch this mindset and use it to engage in the bike community by documenting my rides through photography and film. I am passionate about the way I film riding sections or create videos that will engage my crowd in a creative manner. Additionally, I express myself creatively through crafts at home such as crocheting. Crochet has allowed me to express myself in a completely different manner than biking has, which can show a different side of me that would otherwise be unknown. Ultimately, mountain biking has allowed me to show my artistic side through line choice and riding style while still connecting with others who value the creativity from this sport.
WHAT'S YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE STATE OF THE BIKE INDUSTRY AS IT RELATES TO SELF-EXPRESSION?
The bike industry is a great community for offering individuals opportunities for self-expression. Riders can creatively express themselves through line choice, tricks, training, kit options, video ideas, and riding style. In recent years, the bike industry has shifted from focusing solely on racing to film projects and social media. Social media has allowed individuals to showcase their skills beyond race results. Riders can express themselves by sharing personal challenges, posting new tricks or features, and engaging in creative riding projects. This shift has opened doors for many athletes and brought a fresh, creative perspective to this exciting sport.
Personally, I feel the bike industry allows me to express myself in ways that wouldn't be possible otherwise. I can showcase my creativity through trails, videos, new features, and the mental processes unique to biking. Without the opportunities provided by the bike industry, it would be challenging to display these aspects of myself.
WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT JOINING ANIMA MERX AS AN ATHLETE BRAND AMBASSADOR?
What excites me most about joining ANIMA is the opportunity to be surrounded by like-minded people. The team represents a diverse group of individuals who each bring something unique to the table, all while sharing a deep passion for what we do. ANIMA stood out to me because of its distinctive style, product quality, and core values. The products feature some of the coolest designs I've seen, crafted with high-quality materials. I also feel a strong connection with the brand's values and intentions. I am eager to get to know the rest of the crew better and to continue sharing my love for riding, supported by such an amazing brand.
WHAT PROJECTS DO YOU HAVE LINED UP IN 2024?
The rest of 2024 is still up in the air for me. I recently graduated from Colorado Mesa University and am navigating the new challenges that come with post-graduation life. Despite this, I have a few personal projects and trips planned. You’ll catch me ridin the pass and resorts in Jackson, WY, with frequent trips to Colorado and Utah to ride and film with friends. I don't have any races planned at the moment, but my competitive racing background always seems to draw me back, so don’t be surprised if you see me between the tapes at an enduro or DH race.
“I’VE DISCOVERED THAT SURROUNDING MYSELF WITH CARING, NON-JUDGMENTAL PEOPLE CREATES A SAFE SPACE FOR AUTHENTICITY.”
