The most recognised offroad rider in the United States, Travis Pastrana turns 33 today.

His multifaceted motorcycle career began in the Motocross and Supercross series, with championships claimed in the 125 MX and SX classes in 2000 and 2001.

Pastrana made his real name in Freestyle Motocross competitions, including the X Games, where he has won a remarkable nine gold medals. He is regarded as an innovator and pioneer of FMX, constantly pushing the envelope with tricks, including popularising the backflip.

One of the most iconic moments in Pastrana’s X Games career was in 2006, when he pulled off the first double back flip.

He has now shifted his focus to rally car driving and has four Rally America titles to his name, racing for Subaru. His MTV show Nitro Circus is also a huge hit.

Today’s other sporting birthdays:

1938: Fred Stolle, Australian former tennis player, who won two grand slam singles titles in the 1960s (78).

1971: Monty Williams, ex-basketball player, who spent nine seasons in the NBA. Now Team USA assistant coach (44).

1993: Garbine Muguruza, Spanish tennis player who won the French Open this year (23).

1996: Sara Takanashi, Japanese ski jumper. Won three World Cup titles and three World Champs medals (20).