Germany to Honour Motocross Legend Ken Roczen with Statue at National Sports Centre
Germany is set to pay a powerful tribute to one of its greatest sporting icons, motocross superstar Ken Roczen, by unveiling a statue in his honour at the National Sports Centre in Mattstedt, Thuringia. This commemorative monument will celebrate Roczen’s extraordinary contributions to the world of motocross and his role in elevating Germany’s presence on the global motorsports stage.
The statue, scheduled to be unveiled later this year, will stand as a permanent reminder of Roczen’s legacy—a legacy built on determination, resilience, and unparalleled talent. Set against the scenic backdrop of Thuringia, where Roczen was born and began his racing journey, the tribute aims to inspire future generations of athletes while recognizing a native son who has made history.
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From Mattstedt to Motocross Royalty
Born in Mattstedt, Germany, on April 29, 1994, Ken Roczen emerged from modest beginnings to become one of the most recognizable and respected figures in motocross. From a young age, Roczen showed a unique passion for two wheels. He first turned heads in the European motocross scene by winning the MX2 World Championship in 2011 at just 17 years old—becoming the youngest rider ever to claim the title.
It wasn’t long before Roczen set his sights on the United States, the mecca of professional motocross. He quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the AMA Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships, winning over fans with his aggressive yet calculated riding style and his unwavering dedication to the sport.
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A Career Defined by Resilience
While Roczen’s career is dotted with accolades—including multiple AMA Pro Motocross and Supercross victories—it is his resilience in the face of adversity that has made him a national hero. In 2017, during a Supercross race in Anaheim, Roczen suffered a catastrophic crash that left him with a severely shattered left arm. Many feared his career was over.
But Roczen refused to quit. After undergoing over a dozen surgeries and enduring grueling rehabilitation, he returned to competition, defying medical expectations and reclaiming his spot among motocross elites. His comeback story has become one of the most inspiring narratives in motorsports, often cited by fans and athletes alike as a testament to the power of determination and mental toughness.
This spirit of perseverance has made Roczen more than just a motocross champion; it has made him a symbol of German athletic excellence and human resilience.
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National Recognition and Legacy
The decision to honour Roczen with a statue was made collectively by Germany’s National Sports Commission and the Thuringian Ministry of Culture and Sports. The statue will be placed at the National Sports Centre in Mattstedt, where Roczen trained in his early years.
Minister of Sport for Thuringia, Dr. Johannes Albrecht, emphasized the importance of the tribute:
“Ken Roczen is not only one of the finest athletes to come from our region, but he is also an international ambassador for German sportsmanship and perseverance. His story has inspired millions, and it is only fitting that we immortalize his achievements where it all began.”
The statue will depict Roczen mid-air on his signature motocross bike—a dynamic pose chosen to reflect the energy, freedom, and skill that define his racing style. Renowned German sculptor Anke Roth, who specializes in motion-inspired bronze works, has been commissioned for the project. Roth stated that she aims to capture not only Roczen’s physical form but also the emotional and symbolic weight of his journey.
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Reaction from Roczen and the Global Motocross Community
Upon hearing the news, Roczen, currently based in the U.S. where he continues to compete, expressed his deep gratitude and humility.
“I’m honoured beyond words,” Roczen said in a statement. “To be recognized by my home country in this way is something I never imagined growing up racing in the fields of Mattstedt. I hope this statue serves as motivation for young athletes to chase their dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem.”
Figures from the international motocross community also weighed in on the announcement. Roger De Coster, Team Manager at KTM and a close mentor to Roczen during his early years, praised the initiative.
“Ken is one of the most naturally gifted and mentally tough riders I’ve ever worked with. This statue is well-deserved, not just for his wins, but for his heart and his journey.”
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Beyond the Statue: Inspiring the Next Generation
The Roczen statue is more than just a monument; it’s the first phase of a broader initiative aimed at developing youth motorsports in Thuringia. Local officials have confirmed that a new youth motocross development program will be launched alongside the statue unveiling, providing training camps, scholarships, and state-of-the-art facilities for aspiring riders.
The goal is to harness Roczen’s legacy to foster a new wave of motocross talent in Germany. The Ken Roczen Foundation—an organization founded by Roczen to support youth in sports and offer assistance to injured riders—will also play a significant role in mentoring and funding the initiative.
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A Lasting Impact
In a time when sporting heroes are often defined solely by titles and trophies, Ken Roczen stands out as an icon of character and courage. His ability to overcome injury, silence doubters, and rise again has made him an enduring inspiration both within and beyond the motocross community.
The statue at the National Sports Centre in Mattstedt will serve not only as a tribute to Roczen’s accomplishments but also as a beacon of hope for future generations. It will remind the world that greatness isn’t just about winning—it’s about the journey, the obstacles, and the unbreakable spirit behind every achievement.
As Ken Roczen continues to ride at the highest level and advocate for athlete health, safety, and development, Germany proudly honours its
homegrown legend—a man who dared to fly, fell hard, and flew again.
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