In his late teens Mildon began working as a fitter and welder nine months of the year.
"I worked hard, saved, then took three months off to go travelling doing BMX. I spent a lot of time in Oz and met some guys in the US who invited me to crash on their couch."
It was at this time Mildon began thinking about the possibility of performing a triple backflip on his BMX.
"I don't attempt anything, I just do it."
In 2011 he made history when he performed the world's first BMX triple backflip, gaining entry in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Last year he exceeded expectations when he achieved another world first: a BMX quadruple backflip.
"I knew it was possible and I knew I was capable of doing this," he said. "Now it's about being the best we can be."
Mildon is excited about the prosect of attracting more people into the industry and says travelling with a group like Nitro Circus is a dream come true.
"BMX is a growing sport and it's a unique thing.
"Each day I wake up it's surreal -- you're part of a big team, you're together all the time, it's just cool."
Nitro Circus Live, Friday 7pm at CET Arena.
The Guardian has two family passes to give away -- to be in to win email alecia.rousseau@guardiannews.co.nz and include the name of your favourite Nitro Circus athlete.
The winner will be announced noon on Friday and tickets will need to be collected from the door on the night of the show.
