It often seems those young, natural talents, who have so much promise and future, end up struggling with the biggest hurdles. Finding success in something easily at a young age can cripple the growth and maturity of an individual, leaving them wondering what happened when opportunities finally close and success can't override questionable personal choices. JD Swanguen tasted success in mountain biking at a young age. The San Diego native was around the right people thanks to his father, John, who is one of the unsung pioneers of freestyle BMX. When JD found an interest in mountain biking, that interest was fostered through family support and eventually sponsorship. His style was honed through dirt jumping and skatepark riding and his downhill racing results were rising. Without ever seriously training, and in the face of some hard partying, JD managed to earn a silver medal at the Junior World Championships in Fort William, 2007. As his career blossomed, his decisions as young man still in his teens, would end up sidelining that career before he ever reached his true racing potential. Before his career came to end, however, JD was experimenting with some of the first 29er downhill bikes made by Jeff Steber at Intense back in 2010, and JD always remained one of the most stylish riders on the track. By 2012, JD just wasn't at the races anymore. He found his way into Lindsey Wilson College, met a girl and had a daughter and continues to live on the East Coast. We're honored to have caught up with JD to put some myths to rest and to hear his story, full of hard lessons learned.