Todd Thompson will return to X Games in 2011

Silver bullet — Todd Thompson posses with his silver medal from the X Games and his bike. Thompson said he plans to return to the X Games in 2011 to win gold and because he finished in a top spot, he is qualified for next year.

After taking home a silver medal for his efforts at the X Games, Todd Thompson, 31, said he will compete again next year because he is automatically qualified.

"I have a three year plan," said Thompson. "My immediate plans are to win the gold at the X Games."

Thompson added he would also like to qualify for a national event, like an AMA race, which would make him the first adaptive athlete to do so. As for winning silver at the X Games, Thompson is happy with his performance, but thought he could have had gold.

"I think I should have won gold personally. Having said that I did the best I could for that day," said Thompson. "Silver is better than nothing."

A highlight for the adaptive athlete, he said, was riding in the Los Angeles Coliseum because of the rich history and because the venue hasn't had a motorcycle event since 1997.

"It was impressive being in a place that had so much history," Thompson said. "They only use it (the coliseum) for USC football games now."

When talking about what winning a silver medal meant to him, Thompson was thoughtful in his answer because the medal as well as the experience meant a lot to him.

"The entire reason for doing the X Games was vindication. I left a lot on the table when I was hurt in '98," Thompson responded.

"I made it a goal to come back after being disabled or handicapped or whatever. Winning a silver at the X Games proved to me that I have the will and determination to do whatever I put my mind to and I rose above my expectations by winning a medal."

Thompson added that his goal was to make it to the X Games and compete; he didn't set out to win a medal there, but was able to. Now he can focus on the other goals in his three-year plan.

Thompson said he's 31 now, almost 32, and needs to go after his goals now while he still has the opportunities.

Thompson is also grateful to all of his sponsors who support him – Rockstar Energy Drink, Mary's Pizza Shack, Answer Racing, Alpinestars, TroyLee Designs, VP Racing Fuels, Dragon Goggles, Yoshimura, and Enzo Suspention.

He also wanted to thank Chuck and Chris Desautelle of Power Curve Products, Manny Ornellas of CDG Technology, and Jayson Burris.

Thompson most importantly thanks his wife, Andrea, and two children, Gracie and Lane, as well as the "Good Lord for giving me the God given talent to ride a dirt bike and the strength to overcome adversity."

Thompson will be signing autographs at Mary's Pizza Shack on Friday, Aug. 27, from 6-8 p.m. He said he will have his silver medal there and will be signing posters and taking pictures.