The ultimate goal: 2020 Olympics. Kai Sakakibara interview.

Sep 18, 2018

Written by Bart de Jong

Read 5106 times

Name: Kai Sakakibara
Racing number: 77
Hometown: Helensburgh, NSW Australia

Have things changed for you since 1 September, the day the Olympic qualifying period has started?
Kai Sakakibara: Not at all. I’m always training and preparing for events to the best of my ability, so it’s been business as usual.

Are you looking for races where you can score more points?
Kai Sakakibara: Not necessarily, but as the Olympics draw nearer I may start to prioritise my events schedule, i.e. possibly skip smaller events and focus on the major competitions.

Has peaking after 1 September been something you aimed for?
Kai Sakakibara: I believe that I’m still developing as a rider, and learning at every event that I compete in. Of course I want to race well now and need to race well to qualify the country, but I want to bring my peak in July 2020. Everything until then will be building towards that.

How badly do you want to go to Tokyo for the Olympic Games in 2020?
Kai Sakakibara: Being half Japanese and having represented Japan while living in Tokyo as a kid, the

2020 Olympics really hold a special place in my heart. My goal is to be there with my sister Saya as siblings, and I will be doing everything in my power to make that happen.

What are some of the sacrifices you have to make to get there?
Kai Sakakibara: I feel so privileged to be able to chase my dream and work towards a single goal every single day. There are definitely highs and lows throughout the journey, but I am grateful and enjoy every step of the process. I wouldn’t call them sacrifices.

Do you enjoy traveling to BMX races all over the world?
Kai Sakakibara: Most definitely. This is one of the best parts about racing BMX - being able to chase my dream of the Olympics while travelling the world and meeting amazing people.

Are you satisfied with the World Cup position you're in at the moment?
Kai Sakakibara: Sure! It’s the best position that I’ve been in so far in my career!

How many places do you think you can move up in this year's UCI World Cup ranking after the last two rounds in Argentina?
Kai Sakakibara: Only time will tell.

What's the best part about racing in Santiago del Estero?
Kai Sakakibara: Definitely the fans. The atmosphere at the track is always amazing and the crowd really embrace the event. I love chatting with excited kids at the track and around town!

What bike are you taking to Argentina?
Kai Sakakibara: My DK Professional XXX. I built it 2 weeks ago when I landed in the USA.

Who have been supportive of getting you where you are today in BMX racing?
Kai Sakakibara: There are too many people to name them all, but a special thanks has to go to my family for supporting me every step of the way, and my coaches Troy Fisher, James Tennent, Luke Madill and Wade Bootes.

Thanks to:
DK Bikes, Peabody, Oakley, Box Components, Michram Industries, Shimano, HT, Onyx, Shoei, Fist Handwear, Parkside Sports Physio.

Pics by Bart de Jong/FATBMX