Brother and sister BMX riders set sights on Olympic gold in country where it all began

Japan is where elite BMX riders Kai and Saya Sakakibara learned the sport, and it's where they plan to return in 2020 representing Australia at the Olympics.

Kai and Saya Sakakibara, aged 22 and 18 respectively, love the fact they can speak Japanese with their mother at home.

The pair discovered the sport in Japan after visa issues saw their parents leave their Gold Coast home and head to Japan - where there mother was born - for six years. 

They also love the fact the next Olympics are in Tokyo, and both are well on course to push hard for medals. 

"An Olympic Games in Tokyo would be amazing," Saya told SBS World News.
Saya Sakakibara
Saya Sakakibara is aiming for an Olympic gold. Source: SBS World News
And it wouldn't be a huge surprise if she continued the incredible junior form that has seen her crowned World Champion five times when she moves to the senior ranks next year.

Her brother Kai was crowned Australia's best male rider this year, and his description of his cultural make-up sums up why winning gold for Australia is so important. 

"Half English, half Japanese and full Australian."

With an English dad,  the pair have several cultural cues that they've been able to draw-on in their rise to sporting prominence. 

It's not uncommon for sporting excellence to run in families.  But having a brother and a sister succeed in the same sport is rare.
Kai Sakakibara,
Kai Sakakibara, 22, has riding in his blood. Source: SBS World News


They get along well on their various trips abroad to compete.  The family connection putting them at ease in often tense competitive environments. 

It's a powerful sibling combination,  that one day may spawn a 'Team Sakakibara' and they are committed to making that happen. 

Any medals that come along the way before their dream of building a team built on their sporting success will be a bonus.
Kai and Saya Sakakibara
Kai and Saya Sakakibara learnt to ride in Japan. Source: SBS World News


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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Published 29 August 2017 7:01pm
Updated 29 August 2017 8:41pm
By John Baldock


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