Sakakibara learns from BMX ‘kick up bum’ ahead of Paris
Saya Sakakibara is grateful for the latest setback in her tumultuous BMX racing career, calling it a timely pre-Olympics kick up the backside.
The 24-year-old Australian was in top form heading into the worlds two months ago, having successfully defended her overall World Cup series title.
But after showing strong form through the preliminary rounds, Sakakibara had a bad start and bombed in the final.
It prompted an agonising Instagram post soon afterwards, where she spoke of her heartbreak.
It also prompted a solid overview, one that she thinks will bear fruit in Paris.
“It was a great kick up the backside. Everything was going well and I was really excited for the world championships, because I wanted that rainbow jersey and honestly, I thought I was going to win,” she said.
“As much as it hurt to have the loss, I know it highlighted the areas that I need to work on, so it doesn’t happen again at the Games.
“It was great and I’m actually grateful that it happened, because I feel like I’m in a different spot than I was 10 weeks ago.”
But Sakakibara hardly needed another reminder about the cruelties of top-level sport.
Her older brother Kai continues to rehabilitate from the devastating brain injury he suffered in a BMX racing crash ahead of the Tokyo Olympics.
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Saya Sakakibara’s emotions were raw after this year’s BMX world titles.
Saya made the semi-finals at those Games, only to crash out of her heat and suffer a concussion.
Further concussions prompted Sakakibara to retire from the sport in 2022, but she rallied and won the two World Cup crowns.
She lacks nothing for perspective and it has given her belief that when something goes wrong, it can be “for the greater good”.
“Sometimes I think ‘oh no, I’m not ready for this’, but then I think about how I’m racing the same people, I’ve ridden this track before,” she said.
“At the end of the day, it’s still a gate, I do a start, I pedal hard, I go as fast as I can around the track, and hopefully win. I’ve done that many times in the last 12 months.
“I does add up to that confidence – maybe evidence is a better word. I’m feeling overwhelmed, but I have evidence that I can do this, I have done this and I can trust myself in those high-pressure moments.”
The Tokyo Games and her inspiring comeback have boosted her public profile, something she wants to continue to capitalise on in Paris.
“I do feel a little bit of responsibility to go out there, do my best and not waste this opportunity,” she said.
“But it makes me feel really excited, that a lot of people are watching me, a lot of people have have eyes on the sport of BMX.
“I want to show the best version of myself to the world.”
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