Olympic BMX champion Saya Sakakibara joins Marlee Silva after giving her a firsthand lesson on the track.

Saya opens up about the perfectionism that affected her home World Championships, the complicated emotions surrounding her silver medal, and the question she faced after winning Olympic gold: what now?

She also reveals how fear once made racing unbearable, why admitting she wanted to win Paris felt almost impossible, and how changing the way she spoke to herself transformed both her performance and her life.

Plus, Saya discusses the road to LA 2028, the possibility of competing at Brisbane 2032 and her brother Kai’s emerging Paralympic dream.

00:00 Welcome to Marlee and Me
01:30 Marlee takes on the BMX track
02:30 Sitting down with Saya Sakakibara
04:05 Perfectionism and the pressure to win
06:03 Learning to stop chasing perfection
07:55 The World Championship race that was cancelled
10:43 How the international BMX circuit works
12:53 Could Saya compete at Brisbane 2032?
13:45 Life after winning Olympic gold
15:37 How Saya has changed since Tokyo
18:59 The transformation behind the gold medal
21:25 Confidence without winning
23:24 The hypnotist who helped Saya believe
25:37 Beginning the road to LA 2028
28:00 Why Saya considered retiring
29:10 Kai Sakakibara’s Paralympic dream
30:21 Becoming a role model for BMX
33:26 Giving others confidence
35:40 Strength, body image and inspiring girls
36:37 Final reflections
37:08 Marlee’s closing message

Olympic BMX champion Saya Sakakibara joins Marlee Silva after giving her a firsthand lesson on the track. Saya opens up about the perfectionism that affected her home World Championships, the complicated emotions surrounding her silver medal, and the question she faced after winning Olympic gold: what now? She also reveals how fear once made racing unbearable, why admitting she wanted to win Paris felt almost impossible, and how changing the way she spoke to herself transformed both her performance and her life. Plus, Saya discusses the road to LA 2028, the possibility of competing at Brisbane 2032 and her brother Kai&rsquo;s emerging Paralympic dream.
00:00 Welcome to Marlee and Me 01:30 Marlee takes on the BMX track 02:30 Sitting down with Saya Sakakibara 04:05 Perfectionism and the pressure to win 06:03 Learning to stop chasing perfection 07:55 The World Championship race that was cancelled 10:43 How the international BMX circuit works 12:53 Could Saya compete at Brisbane 2032? 13:45 Life after winning Olympic gold 15:37 How Saya has changed since Tokyo 18:59 The transformation behind the gold medal 21:25 Confidence without winning 23:24 The hypnotist who helped Saya believe 25:37 Beginning the road to LA 2028 28:00 Why Saya considered retiring 29:10 Kai Sakakibara&rsquo;s Paralympic dream 30:21 Becoming a role model for BMX 33:26 Giving others confidence 35:40 Strength, body image and inspiring girls 36:37 Final reflections 37:08 Marlee&rsquo;s closing message

Marlee and Me is a podcast that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of your favorite athletes, showcasing them in a way you’ve never seen before.

In candid and heartfelt conversations, Marlee Silva delves into the personal stories of rugby league’s biggest names, focusing on who they are as individuals rather than their on-field achievements.

Through themes of family, culture, and identity, she uncovers the experiences and lessons from their upbringing that shaped them into champions. Beyond the celebrations and victories, the podcast reveals what truly matters most to these athletes.

Marlee and Me is a podcast that offers a unique glimpse into the lives of your favorite athletes, showcasing them in a way you’ve never seen before.
In candid and heartfelt conversations, Marlee Silva delves into the personal stories of rugby league’s biggest names, focusing on who they are as individuals rather than their on-field achievements.
Through themes of family, culture, and identity, she uncovers the experiences and lessons from their upbringing that shaped them into champions. Beyond the celebrations and victories, the podcast reveals what truly matters most to these athletes.

Marlee and Me

In Conversation: Saya Sakakibara on Fear, Olympic Gold and Finding What Comes Next

Welcome back to Marlee and Me, storytelling beyond the scoreline.

Yaama I’m Marlee Silva and if you’re new here this is a sports podcast unlike the kind you’re used to. These are conversations that get to the heart of your favourite athletes.

This year, I’ve had the great pleasure of sitting down with so many of our NRL and NRLW athletes through my role with 100% Footy and other parts of our broadcast with Nine’s WWOS and over the next couple of weeks you’ll get to hear the raw extended version of these chats in compilation style episodes that focus on one club or one theme - today, it’s the Gold Coast Titans.

I sat down with three of their key figures before 2026 kicked off. With a brand new head coach, a newly committed captain and some up and coming superstars, the side was optimistic but realistic. 

Today you’ll hear from head coach Josh Hannay, Captain Tino Fa’asuamalaui and fullback, Keano Kini. And while they all share something different, the theme that is at the heart of the titans is clear as day, this is a club that is passionate about its community.

Thank you so much to Josh, Tino and Keano, for sharing parts of your story in this episode of Marlee and Me. Tune in next week as we hear from another group of players from a different club!

If you enjoyed the show make sure you hit subscribe wherever you’re listening, follow @marleeandmepod for more and I’ll catch you next week.

This episode of Marlee and Me was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, we pay our respects to elders past and present. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land. 

Welcome back to Marlee and Me, storytelling beyond the scoreline.
Yaama I&rsquo;m Marlee Silva and if you&rsquo;re new here this is a sports podcast unlike the kind you&rsquo;re used to. These are conversations that get to the heart of your favourite athletes.
This year, I&rsquo;ve had the great pleasure of sitting down with so many of our NRL and NRLW athletes through my role with 100% Footy and other parts of our broadcast with Nine&rsquo;s WWOS and over the next couple of weeks you&rsquo;ll get to hear the raw extended version of these chats in compilation style episodes that focus on one club or one theme - today, it&rsquo;s the&nbsp;Gold Coast Titans.
I sat down with three of their key figures before 2026 kicked off. With a brand new head coach, a newly committed captain and some up and coming superstars, the side was optimistic but realistic.&nbsp;
Today you&rsquo;ll hear from head coach Josh Hannay, Captain Tino Fa&rsquo;asuamalaui and fullback, Keano Kini. And while they all share something different, the theme that is at the heart of the titans is clear as day, this is a club that is passionate about its community.
Thank you so much to Josh, Tino and Keano, for sharing parts of your story in this episode of Marlee and Me. Tune in next week as we hear from another group of players from a different club!
If you enjoyed the show make sure you hit subscribe wherever you&rsquo;re listening, follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/marleeandmepod" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/marleeandmepod&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1786688927837000&amp;usg=AOvVaw3FVGTrVkrCR4jOeLY3Atg4">@marleeandmepod</a> for more and I&rsquo;ll catch you next week.
This episode of Marlee and Me was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, we pay our respects to elders past and present. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.&nbsp;

In Conversation: Gold Coast Titans - A Club Building For It's Community

Welcome back to Marlee and Me, storytelling beyond the scoreline.

Marlee Silva is back for a 4th season of her powerful podcast that features some of Australia’s most beloved rugby league stars!

If you’re new here this is a sports podcast unlike the kind you’re used to. There’s no game analysis, we’re not worried about the highlight reel or the stats. These are conversations that get to the heart of your favourite athletes.

This year, Marlee’s new role with Nine’s 100% Footy, has seen her sit down with many more NRL and NRLW players, so for the back end of the 2026 footy season we’ll be dropping the raw extended version of these chats in a couple of mega episodes if you like it!

This episode is Part 2 of 2, pulling back the curtain on some of the stars of the Melbourne Storm. 

A few months ago, Marlee received a phone call from the Melbourne Storm informing her that they were gearing up for their first ever Mental Health focused game - they wanted to start a conversation, destigmatise talking about mental ill health and encourage their fans to check in with each other. 

So she headed down to Melbourne to sit down with the 3 players nominated as ambassadors for the inaugural ‘Tackling Tough Together’ game: Josh King, Will Warbrick and Alec McDonald.

What they shared is raw, honest and delivered with a passion for ensuring others—fans of the game or not—know they aren't alone and that help is out there.

If you are struggling or this conversation brings anything up for you, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14, or for any mob seeking culturally safe support, 13 YARN is available too.

Tune in next week, as we hear more heart-led reflections from star players and their head coach, from the Gold Coast Titans. 

This episode of Marlee and Me was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. As a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, Marlee embodies the spirit of her people in every conversation, honouring their 60 thousand year long tradition of oral storytelling, for connection, understanding and empathy. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land. 

Follow @marleeandmepod on Instagram for more!

Welcome back to Marlee and Me, storytelling beyond the scoreline.
Marlee Silva is back for a 4th season of her powerful podcast that features some of Australia&rsquo;s most beloved rugby league stars!
If you&rsquo;re new here this is a sports podcast unlike the kind you&rsquo;re used to. There&rsquo;s no game analysis, we&rsquo;re not worried about the highlight reel or the stats. These are conversations that get to the heart of your favourite athletes.
This year, Marlee&rsquo;s new role with Nine&rsquo;s 100% Footy, has seen her sit down with many more NRL and NRLW players, so for the back end of the 2026 footy season we&rsquo;ll be dropping the raw extended version of these chats in a couple of mega episodes if you like it!
This episode is Part 2 of 2, pulling back the curtain on some of the stars of the Melbourne Storm.&nbsp;
A few months ago, Marlee received a phone call from the Melbourne Storm informing her that they were gearing up for their first ever Mental Health focused game - they wanted to start a conversation, destigmatise talking about mental ill health and encourage their fans to check in with each other.&nbsp;
So she headed down to Melbourne to sit down with the 3 players nominated as ambassadors for the inaugural &lsquo;Tackling Tough Together&rsquo; game: Josh King, Will Warbrick and Alec McDonald.
What they shared is raw, honest and delivered with a passion for ensuring others&mdash;fans of the game or not&mdash;know they aren't alone and that help is out there.
If you are struggling or this conversation brings anything up for you, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14, or for any mob seeking culturally safe support, 13 YARN is available too.
Tune in next week, as we hear more heart-led reflections from star players and their head coach, from the Gold Coast Titans.&nbsp;
This episode of Marlee and Me was recorded on the lands of the Wurundjeri people, we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. As a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, Marlee embodies the spirit of her people in every conversation, honouring their 60 thousand year long tradition of oral storytelling, for connection, understanding and empathy. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land.&nbsp;
Follow&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/marleeandmepod" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/marleeandmepod&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1786150406049000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2KwYQ76eEAhYtPH4sScXQT">@marleeandmepod&nbsp;</a>on Instagram for more!

In Conversation: Pulling back the curtain on the Melbourne Storm (Part 2), 'Tackling Tough Together'

Welcome back to Marlee and Me, storytelling beyond the scoreline.

Marlee Silva is back for a 4th season of her powerful podcast that features some of Australia’s most beloved rugby league stars!

If you’re new here this is a sports podcast unlike the kind you’re used to. There’s no game analysis, we’re not worried about the highlight reel or the stats. These are conversations that get to the heart of your favourite athletes.

This year, Marlee’s new role with Nine’s 100% Footy, has seen her sit down with many more NRL and NRLW players, so for the back end of the 2026 footy season we’ll be dropping the raw extended version of these chats in a couple of mega episodes if you like it!

Our first episode is part 1 of 2, that pull back the curtain on some of the stars of the Melbourne Storm. 

2026 has served this side something unexpected - a losing streak, injury crisis and off-field heartbreak like their beloved coach, Craig Bellamy’s, diagnosis of a neurological disorder. 

In this 1st part, we’ll go back to hear where some of their stars were at before this season kicked off, how they reflected on the difficult end to 2025 and some insights on the club culture at one of the most revered clubs in the NRL.

Today you’ll hear from: 
Captain Harry Grant as he reflects on the heartbreak of losing the 2025 Grand Final and the lessons he’s learned;
One of the games most beloved characters, Cameron Munster, with a particularly powerful reflection on the support the rugby league community gave him as he lost his Dad in 2025; and
The ever versatile Tyran Wishart, as he reflects on the impact the purple jersey has had on his career so far before he heads over west to play for the Perth Bears in 2027.

Tune in on Thursday for Part 2 of this Storm series, which captures an important conversation with 3 more Melbourne stars as they speak on destigmatising mental health and their lived experiences.

This episode of Marlee and Me was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. As a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, Marlee embodies the spirit of her people in every conversation, honouring their 60 thousand year long tradition of oral storytelling, for connection, understanding and empathy. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land. 

Follow @marleeandmepod on Instagram for more!

Welcome back to Marlee and Me, storytelling beyond the scoreline.
Marlee Silva is back for a 4th season of her powerful podcast that features some of Australia&rsquo;s most beloved rugby league stars!
If you&rsquo;re new here this is a sports podcast unlike the kind you&rsquo;re used to. There&rsquo;s no game analysis, we&rsquo;re not worried about the highlight reel or the stats. These are conversations that get to the heart of your favourite athletes.
This year, Marlee&rsquo;s new role with Nine&rsquo;s 100% Footy, has seen her sit down with many more NRL and NRLW players, so for the back end of the 2026 footy season we&rsquo;ll be dropping the raw extended version of these chats in a couple of mega episodes if you like it!
Our first episode is part 1 of 2, that pull back the curtain on some of the stars of the Melbourne Storm.&nbsp;
2026 has served this side something unexpected - a losing streak, injury crisis and off-field heartbreak like their beloved coach, Craig Bellamy&rsquo;s, diagnosis of a neurological disorder.&nbsp;
In this 1st part, we&rsquo;ll go back to hear where some of their stars were at before this season kicked off, how they reflected on the difficult end to 2025 and some insights on the club culture at one of the most revered clubs in the NRL.
Today you&rsquo;ll hear from:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Captain Harry Grant as he reflects on the heartbreak of losing the 2025 Grand Final and the lessons he&rsquo;s learned;</li>
<li>One of the games most beloved characters, Cameron Munster, with a particularly powerful reflection on the support the rugby league community gave him as he lost his Dad in 2025; and</li>
<li>The ever versatile Tyran Wishart, as he reflects on the impact the purple jersey has had on his career so far before he heads over west to play for the Perth Bears in 2027.</li>
</ul>
Tune in on Thursday for Part 2 of this Storm series, which captures an important conversation with 3 more Melbourne stars as they speak on destigmatising mental health and their lived experiences.
This episode of Marlee and Me was recorded on the lands of the Gadigal people, we pay our respects to their Elders past and present. As a proud Gamilaroi and Dunghutti woman, Marlee embodies the spirit of her people in every conversation, honouring their 60 thousand year long tradition of oral storytelling, for connection, understanding and empathy. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land. 
Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marleeandmepod" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.instagram.com/marleeandmepod&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1786150406049000&amp;usg=AOvVaw2KwYQ76eEAhYtPH4sScXQT">@marleeandmepod&nbsp;</a>on Instagram for more!

In Conversation: Saya Sakakibara on Fear, Olympic Gold and Finding What Comes Next

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