Saya Sakakibara: Q&A with the ARA Australian Cycling Team

Saya Sakakibara has established herself as one of the best female BMX racers in the world over the past two years.

After an incredible comeback, Sakakibara took out the 2023 UCI BMX Racing World Cup overall title in emphatic fashion winning five out of 10 rounds.

Then in 2024, she was back again, dominating the UCI BMX Racing World Cup, defending her overall crown with four wins from six rounds,

But it’s been a long road to the top for Sakakibara, who has said she considered giving up the sport in 2022 after suffering a concussion.

Now, she is preparing to compete at her second Olympic Games in Paris.

Read on to get to know more about ARA Australian Cycling Team athlete Saya Sakakibara.

What is your full name? Saya Sakakibara

Age? 24

What is your hometown? Helensburgh

What is your home club? Southlake Illawarra

Do you have any pets? Nope. Always wanted a dog though!

What's your favourite movie/TV show/ or book? How I met your mother.

Best concert you have been to/ or favourite band/artist? I’ve been to two concerts to see two of my favourite artists. Bliss n eso and San Cisco

What's your cheat meal? Pulled pork burger

What's your coffee order? Latte

What's your ideal holiday? Eating food in Japan

When and how did you learn to ride a bike? 3 or 4 years old. My dad took off the cranks off a big bike and I rode it around like a strider before I got the balance right. I never used training wheels.

How did you get into the sport competitively? I was always copying my older brother Kai and he always loved riding and racing his bike. I naturally followed.

What's your favourite place/track to ride? Why? Brisbane SX. I have great memories there and the track is challenging but also rewarding.

Who is/was your sporting idol? Sarah Walker. 2012 Olympic Silver Medallist. I admire her on and off the bike.

What has been one of your career highlights? Winning a World Cup at Papendal in 2023, where I had a concussion, one year prior which nearly made me quit racing.

What do you hope to have achieved by the end of your career? Olympic Medal and a World Championship Title! (Multiple would be even better!)

If I wasn't a rider/cyclist, I'd be … lost … (haha) This question always stumps me. Being a professional BMX racer is all I’ve ever known or wanted so I never considered anything else!