The treat Aussie gold medallist was denied in Paris

She may have earned a taste of gold in Paris but there was just one thing missing from Saya Sakakibara’s celebrations.
Three years on from heartbreak in Tokyo, Sakakibara won Australia’s first-ever gold medal in the women’s BMX with an incredibly dominant performance in the final.
But as many athletes crave the return to normality, the 25-year-old has been eager to taste a classic breakfast meal.
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“The one thing I haven’t done which I’m really craving is a brekky burger,” Sakakibara told Nine’s Today.
“You can’t get them anywhere outside Australia, with the hash brown, the bacon, the barbeque sauce. I really want it and with a brioche bun.”
Saya Sakakibara of Australia celebrates. Getty
The gold medal performance was an emotional triumph for the Sakakibara family, who have endured multiple setbacks in recent years.
In 2020, Sakakibara’s brother Kai was involved in a terrifying BMX accident that not only halted his career but saw him suffer a traumatic brain injury.
Trackside for his sister’s victory – as she wore his number, 77 – Sakakibara paid homage to her brother’s support and dedication.
“I’m on cloud nine. I’ve just been in this bubble for the last month, it’s so surreal,” the 25-year-old told Nine’s Today.
“Tokyo, I really wanted that win, to put the end to that fairytale but I think having such a bad experience in Tokyo made this one (in Paris) even better.
“There was that feeling inside me that I wanted to end this story with a gold medal… not only for myself but for everyone who has supported me and Australia.
“I’ve always wanted to dedicate something to my brother Kai and the gold medal was just incredible. It is the pinnacle of BMX racing, you can’t get anything better than that.”
Watch every moment, every medal of the Paralympic Games Paris 2024 live and free on Channel 9, 9Gem and 9Now. Plus, every event streaming ad free, live and on demand with 4K on Stan Sport.
But Sakakibara’s Olympic journey is not yet finished, with the Aussie confirming she has her eyes set on the Los Angeles Games in 2028.
“I haven’t touched my bike, it’s been in my bike bag since I’ve been back and I’ve just been going with the flow,” she said.
“I’m not going to rush into training because I know that I want to be in the best form possible over the next four years. I won’t be unpacking my bike for at least another three weeks.
“It’s very uncomfortable for me to not have a strict routine but I’m enjoying it.
“It is crazy how the Olympics, which you train your whole life for, it all comes down to 34 seconds in a BMX race.
“What gives me a lot of hope (for the future) is that there are a lot of riders in their 30s doing really well. The Olympic champion in the men’s is 33-years-old and I’ll be 33 in Brisbane, so why not.”
Sakakibara’s visit to Australian shores will be short-lived as she returns to the UK next week.