​Austin Forkner has announced his retirement from SuperMotocross, effective immediately. In a message he shared on social media, Forkner stated, “I am retiring as of now, or as of I guess a week and a half ago when I made the decision.” He acknowledged that fans may be wondering why he wasn’t at RedBud, but explained that his decision stems largely from a long-standing arm injury that doctors have struggled to pinpoint or treat effectively.
Forkner described a troubling history with his right arm, tracing the problem back to a crash in Colorado. He said the injury has led to a progressive loss of muscle and strength from the upper arm through the triceps and back of the shoulder, and even into the hand. “All of this is just gone,” he wrote, adding that the deterioration began four to five years ago and has required three surgeries to date. Despite consults with some of the nation’s top neurologists, Forkner indicated that none of the interventions have produced meaningful improvement.
The decision to retire comes after a career that positioned Forkner as one of the sport’s most promising dirt bike racers from 2018 to 2020. During those years, he consistently finished in the top five across three consecutive Monster Energy Supercross seasons, signaling the potential for continued success at the highest levels of the sport. In the years since, however, Forkner has struggled to crack the top 10 in either supercross or motocross. The pattern has often been hampered by injuries that shortened or interrupted his seasons, preventing him from maintaining the form that had once defined him as a rising star.
Forkner’s retirement marks the end of a notable chapter in American motocross, one that fans followed closely as he emerged from a bright youth prospect into a recognized competitor in the premier national series. The decision underscores the persistence and severity of his arm condition, which has complicated his ability to train, compete, and sustain the high-level performance demanded by SuperMotocross.
As Forkner transitions away from professional racing, he joins a growing list of athletes who have announced retirement due to ongoing medical concerns and the reality that continuing to compete would jeopardize long-term health. His departure leaves teams and fans reflecting on his earlier triumphs and the enduring impact of his early promise on the sport.