Saya Sakakibara knows exactly how life can change in the blink of an eye, having experienced it firsthand. A rising star in BMX racing, Sakakibara was poised for Olympic
success at the 2021 Tokyo Games. But in a heart-wrenching turn of events, a crash in the semifinals dashed her hopes for a medal.
The incident, which left her concussed and terrified of ever riding again, became a defining moment not only in her career but also in her life.
For Sakakibara, the emotional toll of Tokyo was immense. More than just a physical setback, the crash left her grappling. Her brother, Kai Sakakibara, who had also dreamt of Olympic gold,
suffered a severe brain injury in a crash during a competition in 2020, leaving him with lifelong challenges.
For his sister, the weight of carrying their shared dream felt heavier than ever.
Despite the emotional scars, Sakakibara refused to let her Tokyo disappointment define her. She channelled her pain into fierce determination, working tirelessly to overcome the mental
and physical barriers that stood between her and her Olympic dreams. Her brother’s resilience and fighting spirit fuelled her.
Manicures by Jocelyn Petroni. Art Direction Juanita Field. Production Robyn Fay-Perkins.
Every training session, every race, was dedicated to both herself and Kai, with a promise to never give up. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my journey to get to where I am today,”
she tells marie claire ahead of the Women of the Year Awards.
“I am most proud of the work I put into preparing for the Games. I am proud of myself for getting the job done when the pressure was its highest.”
When she crossed the finish line first in Paris, it was more than just a victory, it was the culmination of years of pain and perseverance. Her tearful collapse into her brother’s arms after the medal ceremony said it all.
For many, Sakakibara’s emotional journey to gold became the moment of the Games, highlighting the strength required to overcome adversity and the power of an unbreakable bond
between sister and brother.
marie claire’s 2024 Women of the Year Awards are presented by Swarovski and supported by Volvo, Max Mara, Revlon, Dr Lewinns and G.H. Mumm.
