Jeremy McGrath, often called the king of Supercross, has had a remarkable career in the sport, earning numerous championships and becoming a household name in motocross. Despite his undeniable success, McGrath recently admitted that he believes he should be regarded as the greatest of all time (GOAT) in Supercross, though he isn’t concerned if others don’t call him that.
McGrath’s career is filled with accolades that would justify the title. With seven Supercross championships under his belt, he reshaped the sport and became a legend during his prime. However, McGrath has always stayed humble, and his perspective on the term “GOAT” is refreshingly grounded. In a conversation about the title, he reflected on the approach of Ricky Carmichael, who often calls himself the GOAT. According to McGrath, you don’t call yourself the GOAT — that’s something people decide based on your accomplishments. “You let people call you that,” he said, showing a level of self-awareness and respect for the sport that goes beyond accolades.
One moment McGrath recalls vividly is when he fought through the flu to secure back-to-back wins. He was dealing with a major illness, but still managed to qualify after getting stuck in the gate during the heat race. He fought hard through the semi to earn his spot in the main event and then clinched the win, demonstrating his grit and determination. Despite the flu’s grip on him, McGrath managed to power through and win two consecutive races. “I’ve got a lot to learn. You learn every race,” McGrath said, reflecting on the mental and physical toughness required to perform at such a high level.
McGrath also acknowledged the challenge riders face today, remarking that it’s much harder for modern competitors to battle through something like the flu and still win. The level of competition, the demands of the sport, and the increased focus on rider fitness have raised the bar. In his day, McGrath was able to fight through an illness and still perform at a championship level. However, he believes that today’s riders, who have to maintain peak physical condition year-round, might find it more difficult to perform at their best when faced with similar challenges.
McGrath’s ability to be both candid and humble about his legacy and accomplishments speaks volumes about his character. His contributions to the sport cannot be understated, and whether or not he’s officially crowned the “GOAT,” his impact on Supercross remains undeniable. He understands that legacy is earned through performances, not self-proclamation.
