Saya Sakakibara triumphed over fear, self-doubt and family tragedy to become an Olympic champion. Her journey will inspire you to face your fears and unlock your greatest potential.
Just go. It’s a mantra I’ve always come back to, to keep me focused on what I need to do and filter out everything else.
Saya loved BMX racing, but a series of devastating accidents turned her passion into paralysing fear. Her brother Kai suffered a traumatic brain injury on the track, then Saya herself was battered by multiple crashes and concussions. With every race risking further injury, Saya felt she had to walk away from BMX – but quitting wasn’t so simple.
After everything, Saya couldn’t let go of her Olympic dream. She needed to see how far she could go if she faced her fears and truly believed in herself. Ultimately, Saya decided to just go.
This is a story of resilience, self-discovery, and the determination to keep going when the road ahead feels uncertain. Saya’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming fear and embracing the challenges along the way can lead to the greatest triumphs.