Eli Tomac Addresses Health Concerns Ahead of Supercross Championship

The four-time race winner opens up about his recent underwhelming performances and the importance of mental health in extreme sports.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:54am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a Supercross race scene, with overlapping planes of color and shape representing the dynamic motion and energy of the sport.Tomac's recent struggles underscore the delicate balance between physical and mental health in extreme sports.Rockingham Today

Eli Tomac, the four-time race winner in the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship, has sparked curiosity and speculation with his recent performances. While he has retaken the points lead, his finishes in Birmingham and Detroit have been underwhelming, with a distant third and a fifth-place finish, respectively. In an interview, Tomac addressed the speculation, stating that he was 'under the weather' in Birmingham and just had 'not great riding' in Detroit. This raises questions about the delicate balance between physical and mental health in extreme sports, and the need for a more holistic approach to supporting athletes.

Why it matters

Tomac's willingness to acknowledge his struggles, even if they are minor, is a positive step towards fostering a culture of openness and support around mental health issues in sports. This highlights the importance of self-awareness and honesty, as well as the need to create a more supportive environment for athletes to discuss and manage their well-being.

The details

Tomac's recent performances have been a stark contrast to his dominant form in the first nine rounds of the season, where he was arguably the fastest rider. This has sparked speculation about the reasons behind his underwhelming finishes, with some suggesting it could be a case of him being under the weather or a deeper issue at play, such as a mental block, a mechanical issue, or a strategic decision to reassess his approach.

  • Tomac has won four races so far in the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship season.
  • Tomac finished third in Birmingham and fifth in Detroit in the most recent rounds of the championship.

The players

Eli Tomac

A four-time race winner in the 2026 Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship who has recently experienced underwhelming performances after a dominant start to the season.

Tom Journet

A journalist who interviewed Tomac at press day and reported on his comments regarding his recent performances.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, physically I'm fine. I'm good. Birmingham, I was just a little bit under the weather if I want to make an excuse about anything. Last week? Just not great riding.”

— Eli Tomac

What’s next

Tomac will look to bounce back in the upcoming rounds of the Monster Energy AMA Supercross Championship as he continues his pursuit of the title.

The takeaway

Eli Tomac's recent performances highlight the importance of self-awareness, honesty, and a holistic approach to supporting athletes' physical and mental well-being. By fostering a culture of openness and understanding, the sport can create a more inclusive environment that empowers athletes to perform at their best.