Over the past 2 weeks, we have been spectators to the world’s best athletes competing in Paris at the Olympic Games. There have been stories of success and triumph, determination and resilience, heartbreak and disappointment. We witnessed athletes as they won gold, created new records, and achieved personal bests. 

I find the Olympic Games a time of inspiration as I listen to stories of athletes and their journey to compete in their chosen sport. This year, one particular story caught my attention, and the more I read, the more inspired I became.  

Saya Sakakibara started BMX racing at the age of 4 after watching her brother Kai compete. Saya and Kai both achieved success in BMX racing and competed on junior circuits, quickly rising through the ranks and winning state and national titles. In 2020, just months before the Tokyo Olympic Games, Kai was involved in an accident during a race and suffered a traumatic brain injury. He was in a coma for many weeks and had permanent damage to his physical abilities. His days of racing BMX had come to an abrupt, heartbreaking end.  

This obviously had a significant impact on the family. Saya wanted to give up BMX racing and became anxious about the risk of injury. After some time, Saya returned to the BMX racing circuit and despite some challenges, she demonstrated grit and determination, sticking with her chosen sport. After success at the World Championships and becoming World number 1 in her sport, Saya won gold in the BMX at the Paris Olympics. As she celebrated her Olympic success, her brother Kai was there, celebrating with her. Kai was so excited for his sister, succeeding in the sport he once competed in and loved, but could no longer participate in. 

Saya’s story was inspiring and heartwarming but then I heard that there was even more to the story of Saya and Kai Sakakibara. Part of Kai’s rehabilitation program after his accident saw him using a rowing machine to help build up his strength. Despite the extreme physical challenges that Kai has faced, he has set himself a new goal. Because he enjoyed rowing so much, he adjusted his Olympic dreams and is determined to compete in the 2028 Paralympics, aiming to represent Australia and achieve Olympic success in his new sport – rowing. 

Recently, Kai wrote on his social media account “I am more motivated than ever to reach the level that I need to be a part of the Paralympics. Will I reach it? Who knows, but I am going to give it my absolute all.” 

What an inspiration Kai is! His determination to achieve success, despite immense challenges, is amazing.  

Determination can help us to overcome challenges, pursue our dreams and achieve our goals.  When we show the value of determination we don’t let fear or self-doubt stop us from achieving our goals or taking on challenges. The Bible encourages us to stay the course and to rely on God to help us when things are hard, and we can find assurance that He is always there to help us, providing strength when we have nothing left to give.  

Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  

Have a wonderful week.  

Kerri Charity 

Deputy Principal