She’s fast, ferocious, and totally focused. Sabina Košárková is not just riding—she’s ruling. With a world title in pump track, multiple European Championship podiums in BMX, and standout performances at Crankworx, this Czech rider is on a mission: the Olympics.
“I’d pick BMX any day—it’s my number one goal because of the Olympic dream,” says Sabina. “Mountain biking is fun, but BMX is where my heart is.”
Right now, all her energy is going into qualifying for the next Olympic Games. To boost her chances, she’s considering spending an entire winter training in Australia. “I think it could move me forward a lot,” she explains.
Her recent switch to a carbon frame shaved two kilos off her bike, and the difference is real. “I can feel the extra speed at the start and more control over jumps,” she says. Sabina still rides in the U23 category, giving her some time to adjust before stepping into elite ranks next season—when she’ll face two World Championships that could secure her ticket to the Games.
Raised by the bike (and her dad)
Sabina grew up in Studénka, Czech Republic. Her father Radek, a former BMX enthusiast from the 1980s, started coaching her at age nine. At first, he dreamed of shaping her into a cross-country racer—but by twelve, it was clear her talent lay elsewhere.
“I was scared in the beginning, but I loved the jumps—and I got better really fast,” Sabina remembers. Her early days were spent constantly on the road, racing and training. She was never the type to need a push—motivation came naturally. While her dad stressed himself into stomach ulcers from nerves, Sabina thrived on the race scene. Their relationship only got stronger once she moved from XC to BMX. “I always listened to him. I still trust him 100 per cent. If he tells me I can hit a jump, even a twelve-meter one—I know I can.”
“Get mad and go!”
One of her favourite pieces of advice from her dad? “Sabina—get mad and go!” It still echoes in her head whenever a race isn’t going her way.
Riding with boys from a young age helped her build confidence in the air. “Whatever the boys jumped, I wanted to jump too,” she says. And what does she do better than the boys? “Corners. I always find my own line.” BMX is about adrenaline, community, and travel—all things Sabina thrives on.
Injuries and iron will
BMX is rough. Sabina’s had her share of injuries, including a painful collarbone fracture. “I’ve made peace with the fact that the screws are probably staying in there for the rest of my career.”
Her biggest trouble now? A nagging wrist injury involving the scaphoid bone. The surgery didn’t go well, and another operation comes with a 50/50 risk. “Even with regular rehab, the pain is tough. It hurts every single day,” she admits.
Free time? What’s that? If Sabina isn’t training or racing, she’s hitting the books. But if someone could magically give her a few extra hours, she’d try snowboard cross too.
It’s not just legs, it’s a mind game
“What sets BMX apart from other cycling disciplines is the explosiveness and power,” Sabina explains. She spends four days a week in the gym and devotes a serious chunk of time to track cycling, focusing on sprint work.
But the real secret weapon? Her brain. “Mental training makes up 80 per cent of my preparation. I read books on motivation, focus, and the role of psychology in elite sports,” she says. Quick reactions at the gate are crucial. “You can’t make a mistake at the start. That’s why I train my mind so hard.”
When motivation dipped, Sabina found guidance in books by British sports psychologist Bill Beswick and Czech coach Václav Petráš.
More girls. More power.
Sabina’s noticed a shift—more girls are riding BMX and embracing high-adrenaline sports. Her message to young women thinking of trying it?
“Just have fun with it.” Simple, honest, and totally on-brand.
