A dozen falls, a thick coat of mud and one massive grin – mountain-biker Blake Wilson was having the time of his life.

He’s about to do it all over again as the Saint Kentigern College rider takes part in his first Zespri Aims Games which start tomorrow, September 5.

For the past two weekends, Blake, 12, has been up at Pāpāmoa’s Summerhill track getting some practice runs in. His first visit coincided with a mock race, which drew nearly 200 intermediate-aged riders from around the North Island.

Blake Wilson, 12, shown with his father Brad Wilson, is competing in mountain biking in the Zespri Aims Games. Photo/ Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media

Blake finished last in every run but that only told a fraction of his inspiring story. It was the way he bounced back from each fall, got back on his trusty steed, and did it all with his trademark grin that turned him into a crowd favourite among riders.

His focus

“I’m not looking for a gold medal or focused on getting that first place next week,” he said. “I’m just focusing on having as much fun as I can, meeting new mates, getting better for next year, and coming back in one piece!”

Blake didn’t know what to expect as he took on the Summerhill tracks for the first time, but the Year 7 student was quickly reminded of what he loves about mountain biking.

“It’s very fun but harder than the tracks I go to in Auckland. But I like it more because it challenges me and pushes me out of my comfort zone.”

Blake Wilson, 12, is competing in mountain biking in the 2026 Zespri Aims Games. Photo/ Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media

Blake took a big spill over the handlebars when his brakes stopped working during the mock race. Even after a visit from the medic, Blake had only one goal in mind as he jumped straight back on.

“I want to finish the race. I came here to finish the race.”

It’s not only the excitement of mountain biking that Blake loves. He said his passion for the sport has largely come from dad Brad Wilson, with the two spending most Sundays tackling tracks together.

It is a shared adventure that’s taken Blake from a seat at the back of dad’s bike to his own full-suspension bike that he’s just scored for his Aims Games debut, and his dad couldn’t be prouder.

“Blake just loves being around other people and giving everything a go,” Wilson said. “He doesn’t mind not being the quickest, but he just has a great attitude. He falls off and just gets right back on – the more mud, the more fun.”

Ōtūmoetai Intermediate's Drew McCormick gets a feel for the Summerhill Mountain Bike Park during training for this year's Zespri Aims Games. Photo/ Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media

Aims Games mountain biking co-ordinator Tristan Haycock said the Summerhill trails were more technical than in previous years, making the practice race an important opportunity for riders to gain experience. He said Blake had stood out among the competitors.

“He had a couple of decent spills but the way he bounced up, kept riding and did it all with a massive grin gave him a bit of cult status by the end of the day.”

Record numbers

A record 654 riders will tackle Summerhill tracks at this year’s AIMS Games, up from 487 last year.

It comes amid another record year for Aims, with 14,507 athletes set to take part, from 467 schools across New Zealand and the South Pacific.

With race day approaching next week, Blake’s priorities are clear: to improve, represent his school and enjoy the experience.

If he comes home covered in mud, even better.