Jazuri Easton Thompson secured his first podium finish in a prestigious motocross event in Florida.

The 17-year-old rider finished third in the Supercross 250cc Limited class event at Thor Mini O’s at Gatorback Cycle Park in Alachua to claim the bronze medal.

“It feels good to make it on the box and see my hard work paying off,” an elated Easton Thompson told The Royal Gazette.

“Expectations were that I was going to place as I have been training full time at South of the Border Motocross in South Carolina and have shown good progress over the last few months.

“The competition was tough as the top-five riders ran similar lap times, so it came down to the start and holding your position and making good line choices.

“The biggest challenge was getting warmed up as my race was early and it was cold soi I was remembering to breathe, relax and just ride my race. It has been a good experience competing with riders from all over the world.”

The Penn Foster High School student is absolutely thrilled to finally stand on the podium after several failed attempts in various classes over the years.

“I have been competing at this event since I was on 65cc,” Easton Thompson said.

“I have always come in the middle of the pack out of the 42-rider gate, but this has been my best result to date.”

The promising rider hopes his podium finish is the first of many more to come as he continues his pursuit of racing among the professional ranks.

“The short-term goal is to place on the box in the next few national races I have scheduled and the long-term goal is to become a professional motocross rider,” he said.

Accompanying Easton Thompson in Florida is father/manager Jamel Thompson and brother Jazai Easton Thompson, as well as fellow local riders and father/son duo Aaron A’Kyo Cannonier.