People

Maria Costello by Gavan Caldwell

“When I found out about the MBE I was in complete shock.  I got the letter when I was at my parents and I had to ask my dad to read the letter too because I couldn’t believe my own eyes.

“My dad said that we had better not tell my mum because we had to keep it quiet.  We knew if we told my mum everyone would know!  It was an unbelievable moment for me.

“I am going to receive my MBE in November.  I am allowed to take three people and I am taking my mum, dad and sister.  They are really proud.  We are all just blown away by it all.

“I have had multiple fractures and sometimes I ask myself why I keep doing it.  The answer is because I love it.  Racing has become my life.  I know so many people because of what I do. I am very at home in the paddock and ultimately I just love going fast on a motorbike.  I haven’t performed at my best recently but there are reasons for that.

“I want to get my confidence back after breaking my leg.  It was a few years ago now but it did take its toll.  I have broken loads of bones before and it should have just been one in a long line but I think because it was such an important part of my body it made me stop and think.  The surgeon said to me that I had to be really careful with the recovery otherwise I would lose my leg.  That scared me into really taking my time getting better.  It took me 6 months.

“When I eventually got rid of the crutches I had to learn to walk again and when I got back on a bike I had to get rid of some demons.  This year I am ready to get back to a good level and start building from there.

“I am very tempted to come back to the TT next year.  Jenny Tinmouth took the record this year as the fastest woman around the TT course and I want it back! I had it for 5 years and I want it back! 

“I’ve known Jenny for a long time and I know she is an awesome racer.  She is doing really well and when she said she was doing the TT this year I had a feeling she may take the record.  Records are there for breaking.  Good on her.”