Current X Games gold medalist and double back-flipper Cam Sinclair has faced his fair share of challenges whilst preparing for his title defense in Los Angeles at the end of the month.

Sinclair won what is arguably the most prestigious event in action sports, by nailing a double backflip on his Yamaha YZ250 almost exactly a year after the same trick almost cost him his life.

The emotion-charged victory was called one of the greatest comebacks in sports, making the 26-year-old an instant fan favorite around the world.

In lead up this year’s X Games, Sinclair has spent over a month to date in the USA, practicing and preparing for the biggest event on his pro FMX calendar.

A historic performance in Las Vegas with the Nitro Circus Live Tour, followed by filming for the hugely popular ‘Top Gear’ TV show in California has been positive, however not everything has gone to plan for the Victorian.

“I went out into the desert to spend two days filming with the Top Gear TV show guys, including doing some stunts with Rally driver Tanner Foust,” Sinclair explained. “But overnight my YZ250 was stolen from the compound there – I couldn’t believe it!”

Fortunately, the bike was insured, however Sinclair was forced to put his X Games preparation on hold, source a new motorcycle and finally, personalise it to suit his needs with parts sent over from his spare bike in Australia.

Two weeks later and next on the agenda was another filming shoot. Seemingly cursed, Sinclair crashed hard when he landed on the rear of a co rider’s motorcycle, suffering some concussion and plenty of bumps and bruises.

Of course, no stranger to adversity, Sinclair has rolled with the punches, saying his preparation for a second X Games gold medal is still well under control.

“I haven’t had too much luck the past couple of weeks, but I’m hoping that it’s all smooth sailing from here,” he added. “I’ve been practicing twice a day into the foam pit and still have plenty of time before X, so everything should be sweet.

“I’ll be giving it everything I have to make it two in a row!”

X Games 17 kicks off on 28 July with the ‘Best Trick’ event being held in the home of the LA Lakers – the Staples Center.

Best trick starts at 6:15pm Pacific Standard Time and will be televised live around the world on ESPN.