Saya Sakakibara: Just Go

Meet BMX Olympic Gold Medallist Saya Sakakibara and celebrate the release of her brand new inspiring memoir, Just Go, at the Coogee Pavilion.

WHEN: Wednesday, 29th of October 2025, at Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore.

TICKETS: 

Admission: This is a free event, this ticket includes admission for one person into the event.

Book + Admission: This ticket includes admission for one person into the event and a copy of Saya Sakakibara's book Just Go, at a special price of $34.99 (RRP $34.99). Your book will be available for pick-up at the event, where you will have the opportunity to have it personally signed by Saya Sakakibara.

RUNTIME: The planned schedule of events:

4pm, doors open.

4:30pm, start.

6:00pm, finish.

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.

About the Book:

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.

About the Author:

Saya Sakakibara, a four-time world champion and seven-time NSW state champion, grew up in a highly competitive environment alongside her brother, Kai, a pro racer. Saya’s love for BMX racing blossomed at just four years old, attending practice sessions and races with Kai. Over her 15 years in the sport, Saya has amassed an impressive collection of titles, including five Australian championships and an Olympic gold medal. She credits her success to the support and challenges from her family – especially her father, brother and coaches – who pushed her to reach her full potential and develop her own drive and motivation.

About Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore:

Rated as one of the top 10 bookstores in the world by National Geographic, Gertrude & Alice Cafe Bookstore is an oasis for writers, readers, and coffee lovers. Books overflow from the shelves of their store, featuring a mix of new, second-hand, antiquarian and rare books. Stay a while & enjoy some homemade chai, and amazing coffee, and unearth a book treasure or two. Read more about the bookstore's story here, and about the real Gertrude & Alice here.

Saya’s journey is a powerful reminder that overcoming fear and embracing the challenges along the way can lead to the greatest triumphs.