Short Stories 2011: Good Morning Gravity - Niki Croft

Strength in the face of adversity

BMX aficionados will be no stranger to the inspiring story behind Niki Croft’s life-threatening injury and subsequent comeback. His feature in the Relentless Energy Short Stories 2011 film competition, however, is one that speaks volumes to anyone with an obsession for and dedication to their craft. It’s his attitude, perseverance and single-mindedness that anyone who requires mental strength can seek encouragement from.

"If you have to give up everything you love, then it’s not really life is it?"

Compulsion and inspiration

Directed in potent style by BMX videographer Richard Forne, Good Morning Gravity sees Croft recount the accident at the London Cycle Show in 2010 that put him in a two-day coma and left his memory in pieces, and how he felt compelled to get back on his bike despite this huge trauma. “If you have to give up everything you love, then it’s not really life is it?” he ponders. “You need to be doing these things to be living, that’s especially true with me and BMX. It makes me feel alive.”

“His accident affected the entire BMX community,” says Forne, “and I feel his story is inspirational. His recovery and return to his bike had a huge positive effect on me, and I would like to share that with everyone.”