The 26-year-old is one of the standout names descending on the Goulburn Valley for this major event in the sporting calendar, as over 2000 competitors from across the country do battle at Shepparton BMX Track.
Sakakibara, who was born in the Gold Coast before growing up in Sydney, is well-placed to assess what impact this tournament can have in the region in terms of inspiring the next generation of performers.
Now based at the Sleeman Sports Complex in Brisbane, her excitement at being at the track in Shepparton - which she lavished with praise during an exclusive interview with the News.
“I’m very excited as I think it’s one of the best first straights in Australia,” she said.
“When I turned up yesterday, I was really blown away with how great it looks and I think Shepparton has always done that over the years - this isn’t my first time here, I’ve been here back in 2009 and it’s changed a lot since then.
“I really do notice that the council has done a lot and the town really gets behind this event compared with other regions.
“Everyone is excited to be here as not only is it a National Championship but it’s also a qualifier for the World Championships later this year so I think everyone is really excited and wants to do well.
“The atmosphere is really great,” she said, commenting on the feel-good vibe in the city currently.
“There’s beautiful weather and the surface is really nice as well, I always try and make sure I come back to the National Championships because it’s the only domestic race I get to do as I’m competing overseas most of the time
“Coming back to the Nationals at least once a year is something I like to prioritized.”
What is for certain is that the three-time World Cup winner will be eager to retain the title she won at these championships at the last edition at Macarthur BMX Club in Sydney in 2025.
She achieved sporting immortality a year before that two as she won Olympic gold for Australia in Paris, writing her name into the history books forever more - as she avenged a cruel end to her medal chances in Tokyo at the previous Games.
“I really want to keep progressing,” she said, as she looked ahead to defending her National title in Shepparton.
Sakakibara is intent on using her platform and position in order to inspire the next generation of riders too.
“I feel as though I haven’t reached my peak yet and I can get faster and stronger and see what more I can give to the sport, I think that’s my main motivation.”
On the same day as the Opening Ceremony for the National Championships, it was also announced that Shepparton will play host to two rounds of the UCI BMX Racing World Cup in 2028 in the lead up to the Los Angeles Olympics later that year.
Reflecting on the news that the city is to put on this major international event, Sakakibara felt the honour was well-deserved.
“I think as the sport of BMX progresses, the riders get faster and faster and then sometimes the tracks can’t handle that speed - but having this track is a real advantage and so a lot of us we’re looking forward to coming back,” she said.
“This is a really great venue and it really showcases Australia and all their international riders love seeing this kind of place so it’s a great place for a World Cup and in such an important year leading into the Olympics in LA.”
