Saya Sakakibara was born on August 23, 1999, in Gold Coast, Australia. She was introduced to the world of BMX racing at a very young age, thanks to her older brother who was involved in the sport. At the age of four, Saya decided to follow in her brother's footsteps and began racing herself. Her family's move to Sydney in 2007 allowed her to join the South Illawarra BMX Club, where she began honing her skills and developing her passion for the sport.
As Saya continued to compete and train in BMX racing, her talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of the cycling community. In 2017, she made her mark on the international stage by winning a silver medal in the Junior Elite BMX Supercross at the World Championships. This achievement solidified her position as one of Australia's rising stars in BMX racing.
Throughout her career, Saya has continued to excel in the sport of BMX racing. In 2020, she was honored with AusCycling's Female BMX Racing Rider of the Year award, recognizing her outstanding contributions to the sport. Her selection to represent Australia at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games was a testament to her hard work and dedication to the sport.
Outside of her BMX career, Saya has found love and support in her relationship with Romain Mahieu, a fellow BMX rider who achieved success in the 2023 BMX World Championships in Glasgow. Their shared passion for the sport has brought them together and created a strong bond both on and off the track.
Saya Sakakibara's talent and drive have solidified her legacy as one of Australia's most promising BMX riders. Her accomplishments on the world stage have inspired a new generation of cyclists and have cemented her status as a role model for aspiring athletes. As she continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in BMX racing, Saya's impact on the sport is sure to be felt for years to come.
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