We are very fortunate to have an absolute BMX rock star here to share her story and lessons. Saya Sakakibara, thank you for joining us this afternoon.
"Thanks. It's a real pleasure. I’m always keen to encourage as many girls as I can to get into sport. This is what it's all about."
You’ve had some significant opportunities to learn and grow over the last couple of years. Could you share some of the more significant things you've learned from?
"I guess I'll start in 2019. I was on my way to the Olympic year. My brother and I had our sights set on going to the Olympic Games together. In 2020, he had a huge accident during racing and suffered a brain injury. He was in a coma for about six weeks and had to start a long recovery process. We went from being a team to me suddenly losing my best friend, my brother, my teammate.
With the world shutting down, I had to navigate this uncertain time alone. Despite the challenges, his determination in rehab inspired me to keep going in my own uncertain times. However, this was a big transition for me."
How did the postponement of the Olympic Games impact you?
"The postponement of the Olympic Games in 2020 triggered a lot of self-reflection and growth in me. I realised I was still young in my career and had the potential to become stronger and faster.
I sat down with my coach, and we planned out the next 12 to 14 months. This postponement allowed me to take ownership of my training and understand why I was doing each session."
You mentioned taking ownership of your training. Can you elaborate on that process?
"We started by setting a goal: to be in the best shape for the Olympic Games. We worked backward from that date, focusing on areas where I needed improvement, like strength in the gym. We also planned rest periods to avoid burnout and ensure I was ready to go when the time came. This period of focused training led to significant growth in my skills and confidence."
You’ve spoken about the importance of balancing training with happiness. How do you maintain this balance?
"In 2021, I spent a few months on the Gold Coast training in a distraction-free environment. This was a unique experience where I saw immense growth, not just in my training but also in my personal development.
However, I realised the importance of a balance between training and having a social life. Being happy translates to better performance, and I strive to keep that balance."
Can you walk us through your training regime?
"BMX is a sport that requires a lot of power and speed. I spend about three days a week at the track, working on technique, speed, and skill.
I also spend three days in the gym focusing on strength and power, and one or two sessions on the road for endurance. It's a comprehensive approach that covers all aspects of the sport."
What are some career highlights that stand out to you?
"In 2020, just before my brother's accident, I raced in the first World Cup held in Australia in 11 years. Racing in front of a home crowd and achieving second place was incredibly rewarding.
The energy and support were amazing. Another highlight was reaching the flow state at the Olympic Games, where everything felt effortless and perfectly aligned."
How do you manage fear and nerves before a race?
"I get very nervous and scared, but I perform best when I'm nervous. I focus on simple cues like 'just go' or 'trust the process.' This helps eliminate negative self-talk and keeps me focused on the task at hand. It's about controlling what I can and trusting myself."
What would you like to see for girls in BMX over the next couple of years?
"I'd love to see more girls giving BMX a go, pushing themselves, and supporting each other. Whether they are fearless or, like me, have to push through fear, it's important to encourage each other and build a strong community. This will help elevate the level of female BMX in Australia and get more riders to the top."
As we look forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Play Like a Girl Australia would like to extend our heartfelt wishes to Saya Sakakibara.
Saya, your dedication, resilience, and inspiring journey have inspired us all. Good luck, Saya! You've got the entire Play Like a Girl community behind you. Go for gold! 🌟🚴♀️
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