In an interview with Black Girls Ride magazine in 2015, Harris spoke of her beginnings on the professional track, when almost all her competitors were white men who had been training since their young teens.

“I am everything people never saw in this sport,” she told Black Girls Ride. “Sisters on the track are few and far between. I want to show them that there’s more for them to be exposed to. I want to get the kids interested in the experience.”

In a rallying cry to women everywhere, Harris added: “Sometimes we overthink things too much.

“Try it! Just do it!”

Images: Rex Features

Ryan Reynolds’ emotional tribute to stuntwoman killed on set of Deadpool 2