Tokyo Olympic hopeful Kai Sakakibara flown to hospital after BMX crash at Bathurst world cup

Australian Olympic BMX hopeful Kai Sakakibara has been airlifted to hospital with head injuries after crashing during the Bathurst Supercross World Cup on Saturday.

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Australian Olympic BMX hopeful Kai Sakakibara has been airlifted to hospital with head injuries after crashing during the Bathurst Supercross World Cup on Saturday.

The 23-year-old crashed on the opening day of competition and was treated by paramedics before being flown to Canberra Hospital by a NSW Ambulance helicopter in a critical but stable condition.

The multiple national champion was racing in Bathurst alongside his sister Saya as they target a spot at this year’s Tokyo Olympics.

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He fell on the second corner of the track in the day’s opening round of racing which was later cancelled due to inclement weather. A decision on Sunday’s racing will be made in the morning.

Sakakibara was in need of a big weekend after failing to meet his own expectations at last week’s world cup in Shepparaton where he finished 28th and 16th in the two rounds of racing.

“I was overexcited, over-tried and consequently underperformed,” he wrote on his Instagram account during the week.

“I added pressure when I didn’t need to, and it felt like I buried myself this past weekend. Tough one to swallow but luckily I’m healthy and I get another chance to redeem myself this weekend in Bathurst.

Kai Sakakibara (right) pictured with his sister Saya. He has been flown to hospital after crashing at the Bathurst BMX Supercross world cup. Picture: Adam Head.

“Taking a couple of deep breaths to reset and I’ll be back ready to go again in a few days time. Thank you for all the continued support! Looking forward to seeing you in Bathurst.”

Sakakibara was born on the Gold Coast and started racing BMX at the age of four before his family moved to Tokyo in 2000.

He continued to show promise in the sport, winning the Japanese national championships in 2004, 2005 and 2006 and finishing sixth in the world championships.

The family moved back to Australia in 2007 and he continued racing out of Southlake Illawarra BMX Club on his way to winning more national and state titles.

Originally published as Tokyo Olympic hopeful Kai Sakakibara flown to hospital after BMX crash at Bathurst world cup