Kai Sakakibara

From BMX Racing to Para-Cycling:

How Kai Sakakibara Overcame a Life-Threatening Crash and Gained a New Perspective on Life

1. How did you first get into BMX racing at just four years old, and what was it about the sport that hooked you so deeply?

I was actually 3 years old when I started BMX. My parents took me to Ashmore BMX Club. I was deeply into it because it felt like a battle, me against me. I was always able to push myself and improve.

2. Growing up between Australia and Japan, how did your multicultural upbringing shape you — both personally and as a BMX athlete?

I’m blessed with what I got out of both countries. In Japan, I learnt the importance of respecting others, understanding different cultures, and following rules. In Australia, I became more expressive. I am who I am today because of my life in both countries.

3. What were some of your earliest memories of competition — and how did those experiences influence your path to professional BMX?

My earliest memories were from racing at Ashmore, I didn’t do very well in a race and that encouraged me to do “better today than yesterday and tomorrow better than today”.

4. You were ranked as high as Top 10 in the world — what did it feel like to compete at that elite level?

You might think that the closer you get to the top, the less you notice others around you. But in reality, the higher I got the more I realised that many people were pushing to surpass me and that’s why I loved it.

5. Can you walk us through the moments leading up to the crash in Bathurst?

I don’t remember anything about the crash or the week leading up to it in Victoria. My last memory is from November 2019, the year before.

6. What was the toughest part about waking up from a two-month coma and starting from scratch with basic skills like walking and talking?

I didn’t know what had happened to me. Coping with the unknown was the toughest part.

7. Rehabilitation is often gradual and exhausting. What kept you motivated when progress felt slow?

Rehabilitation can be slow but understanding that helped me stay patient and focus on improving little by little.

8. Did you ever experience negativity and doubt — like thinking “I might never ride again”? If so, how did you deal with those thoughts?

I did have those thoughts, but all I could do was focus on what I was doing each day.

9. How has your perspective on life changed since the accident — especially in terms of what matters most to you?

Before, all I cared about was BMX and winning. But after nearly losing my life, I realised there are so many things more important to me than BMX, like my family, my girlfriend, and being able to share my message with others.

10. Now that you’re an ambassador for traumatic brain injury awareness, what’s the most important message you want to share with others going through their own struggles?

You might feel like you’re the only one struggling right now, but there are so many people facing their own challenges. So please remember that you’re not alone and speak up when things get tough.

11. You took up para-rowing after BMX. How challenging was it to shift to a completely new sport?

It was really challenging to take on a completely new sport, but at the same time it was exciting to see how far I could go with it.

12. You then moved into Para Cycling - winning the Australian Para C1 track title in Brisbane must have been surreal — how did that achievement compare to BMX success before your crash?

It was so special because I was able to get back on a bike again and win a title. But at the same time, I realised there were still many areas I needed to improve, so my mindset quickly shifted to getting better rather than celebrating the win.

13. What does the dream of possibly competing at the 2028 Paralympics mean to you, and how does it differ from your earlier Olympic goals?

It would mean the world to me. I don’t know when or if I’ll make it, but the most important thing is giving my best every day. That’s the only thing I can control.

14. What does a typical training day look like?

I wake up at 6am, have a big breakfast, and then my support worker picks me up. We drive about an hour to QAS, where I do a 1.5-hour gym session with my coach. After that, I take a short nap on a bed provided by QAS, which makes a huge difference. Then I have lunch and head to the Anna Meares Velodrome, where I train on the track for about three hours. After that, I head home, have dinner, prepare for the next day, and go to bed around 8:30–9:00 pm.

15. What role does High Sierra gear play in your daily training or travel routine?

Having a High Sierra Ultimate Access Wheeled Duffle means I don’t have to juggle multiple bags like I used to when going to training (I used to take three!). Everything fits perfectly into one bag, including my food in a High Sierra Extension Backpack that fits inside as well. It makes things so much easier.

16. Which High Sierra product is your favourite, and why?

Definitely the wheeled duffle because it has so much space. I can pack everything I need, especially on days when I train all day.

17. What features of High Sierra products stand out most for someone in your sport?

The High Sierra Extension Backpack stands out the most. As velodrome athletes, we drink a lot, from water to protein drinks, and all the bottles fit nicely in the backpack. Many teammates also ride their bikes to training, it’s easy and comfortable to carry while riding.

18. Why do you think High Sierra is a great fit for athletes like you?

No matter the sport, athletes need a reliable bag, and High Sierra backpacks are perfect for that. They can hold a lot, they’re lightweight, and the Airflow back panel is really comfortable and good for your back. On top of that, they look cool.

19. What do you look for in gear or equipment, and how does High Sierra meet those expectations?

Since I have gym training followed by velodrome sessions, I need to carry a lot with me. With High Sierra, that has never been a problem. I can fit everything I need wherever I go.