After I first met Jonathan Rea, he was simply eight years outdated. He instructed me: “Be careful for the Rea identify. Racing is in our household’s blood and I’m going to be a world champion.”
That will properly have been the starry aspiration of youth, however 20 years later Jonathan’s dream grew to become a actuality – and the reminiscence of that day has endured.
Impressed by Northern Eire’s five-time world champion Joey Dunlop, Rea managed to safe another than his hero.
His run of six successive world titles make him the nation’s most profitable motorbike rider, and his partnership with the Kawasaki crew is arguably one of many biggest in motorsport historical past.
On monitor, Rea – who was additionally topped Irish motorcyclist of the yr 9 occasions in a row – has all the time been an especially fierce and pushed competitor. Off it, he is likely one of the most grounded, humble and articulate sportsmen I’ve ever met.
All through his profession, he has granted BBC Sport NI unprecedented entry into his life – I really feel very lucky to have been given a entrance row seat to his exceptional journey.
Sooner or later, he will definitely be a lot wanted as a check rider and we might even him undertake some endurance racing.
However when he hangs up his aggressive leathers, he’ll accomplish that as certainly one of Northern Eire’s biggest sporting ambassadors.
