Kai Sakakibara
Tell us about yourself.
I'm 19 years old. Half Japanese, half English, full Australian. I have been racing BMX since I was 4 years old, and still loving it just as much as day 1. Currently in my first year in the Elite Class (Opens 19+), and ranked 5th in Australia.
What would your perfect day look like?
An early morning start to a sunny session at the BMX track. A nice lunch followed by a relaxing afternoon in the sun.
What two wheeled sports are you involved in?
I compete in BMX racing.
How did you get involved in the sport?
The kindy that I used to go to when I was 3 years old was right next to Ashmore BMX Track in Queensland. My parents used to take me there all the time to ride my toy 16 inch bike, and I loved it. I got my first race bike when I was 4, and have never looked back since.
How many bikes do you have?
Three in total; my race bike, street bike, and road bike.
What is your favourite Pushie brand/component?
Definitely the G-Form protective wear. With the increasing speed and difficulty in BMX tracks, having the right protective gear has never been more important. G-Form protective gear allows me to focus on 100% performance on the track without the constant fear of injury, while its comfort and low profile nature makes it seem as if I'm not wearing any protective gear at all!
Got any top tips for aspiring young riders?
Work hard, and enjoy the journey.
What are your upcoming goals?
2016 will be my second year in the Elite class. My goal is to be at the top of the Australian National scene and International competition, to put myself in contention for selection into the 2016 Rio Olympic team.