 |
Saya SakakibaraAustralian cyclist
Date of Birth: 23.08.1999
Country:  Australia |
Content:
- Early Life and BMX Beginnings
- Junior Success and National Recognition
- International Breakthrough
- Olympic Ambitions
Early Life and BMX Beginnings
Emily Sakakibara was born on the Gold Coast, Queensland, to a Japanese mother and British father. Inspired by her older brother Kai's BMX racing, she began participating at the age of four. In 2007, her family relocated to Sydney, where she joined the South Illawarra BMX Club.
Junior Success and National Recognition
Competing in junior categories, Sakakibara quickly ascended the ranks. She captured state and national titles before establishing herself as a formidable competitor on the world stage. As of 2019, she is in a relationship with fellow BMX racer Romain Mahieu.
International Breakthrough
Sakakibara made her international debut representing Australia at the 2017 World Championships. She claimed a silver medal in the Junior Elite BMX Supercross category. In 2020, she was recognized as AusCycling's Female BMX Racing Rider of the Year.
Olympic Ambitions
Despite a disappointing crash in the semi-finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Sakakibara remained determined. She surged back in 2023, capturing the UCI BMX Racing World Cup. She defended her title in 2024 and achieved her ultimate goal by winning gold at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
