Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
THE 9LIST
Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
Read the APR ISSUE #112 of Athleisure Mag and see THE 9LIST in mag.
We've always enjoyed watching Beach Volleyball when we're watching the Olympic Games! This year our eyes are on Team USA Beach Volleyball duo, Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng! They're a fun pair to watch when they hit the sand and we can't wait to see what they do at Paris 2024. We caught up with them to find out how they came to the sport, what they love about it, combining their super powers, how they stay in shape, Safe Sun, and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with volleyball?
SARA HUGHES: I fell in love at the age of eight years old in Huntington Beach, California.
KELLY CHENG: I fell in love with volleyball back when I was 11 years old. I started out playing indoor and thought that was where I’d be for the rest of my life. When I tried out beach in high school… that all changed! I decided to play only beach in college and have been playing professionally ever since!
AM: What led to you choosing beach volleyball and what do you love about it?
SH: Beach volleyball has always had my heart from a young age. I love the environment and atmosphere of the sport. You have to be versatile and well versed in all aspects of the game. There are no subs or coaches when you are on the court so you have to figure out how to win with one other person beside you.
KC: I chose beach volleyball for so many reasons. The beach being my office is top of the list. Getting to be outside for so much of my life is such a joy. I love that there are only 2 people and no subs - you have to be adaptable and think on your feet. You’re so exposed out there on the court and have to figure out how to win just with you and your partner. Allowing my creativity to shine on the court is another passion of mine. There isn’t one way to play this game and I love pushing the envelope on how to play!
AM: You guys have been partners for awhile whether in high school, youth competitions, while competing at USC and beyond - tell me about your style of play and why this duo is so synergistic!
SH: We play with a lot of passion and love for the game. We are both athletic and dynamic and we love showing that on the court. We have great communication and inspire each other to get better every day and change the way the sport is played.
KC: We have such chemistry on and off the court. We connect well and make each other laugh. We enjoy doing life together. Those intangible things have always been easy for us. Now add on top of that our creativity, passion, determination - and we’re unstoppable!
AM: Kelly, you competed at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 and Sara you are looking to add this to your impressive resume! With us being 100 days out, what are the weeks ahead looking like in terms of qualifying and when you find out about getting this coveted slot?
SH: I am so excited to be going to my first Olympic Games. We actually found out a few weeks ago that we have qualified for Paris! We have 3 more big tournaments to compete in before the games but we have a solid month of training at home before the Olympics. During that time we will refine some skills, game plan, and most importantly have fun and enjoy the journey.
KC: We were pumped to qualify for Paris! It is so exciting to be going to my second Olympics. This time will be SO different. Tokyo was such a unique experience due to all the Covid protocols and it being a closed Olympics. This time around, my family will come and cheer me on!! We have a couple more tournaments worth Olympic points, but after that we get a chunk of time at home allowing us to spend time with family and prepare for the Paris Olympics.
AM: What are you looking forward to should you be able to go to the Summer Games?
SH: I am looking forward to proudly represent Team USA on the worlds largest stage. I also can’t wait to play in the stadium in Paris that will be under the Eiffel Tower.
KC: I’m really looking forward to opening ceremonies! So unique this year being on boats on the Seine River; it should be iconic. And speaking of iconic, our venue will be one of the most jaw dropping locations ever - right in front of the Eiffel Tower!
AM: What's an average week like in terms of training and working out individually as well as a duo?
SH: We train on the sand 4-5 times a week together. I am in the gym 3x a week but have routine stretches, rehab, and ab exercises that I complete every day.
KC: It depends on the week and where we’re at in season, but typically as a team, we train on the sand 4 times a week and watch film and/or have team meetings 2x a week; Solo, I do blocking work with my assistant coach 2x a week, in the gym (Stark) 3x a week, physical therapy 3x a week, sports psych once a week, and Pilates 3x a week. I also try to get a massage or ice bath in every week for recovery! It’s a full time job and I love it!
AM: Do you have any routines that you do before a match to get your head in the game and do you have anything you do after a match to come down from all that energy?
SH: I have a routine warm up that I complete that gets my body warm and ready to go. Kelly and I also share headphones and listen and jam out to music while we warm up. It is a fun way to do our individual routines but stay connected at the same time. After matches we debrief as a team and talk about how the game went.
KC: My favorite pre match routine that Sara and I do together is pray. It sets the tone for the match and always brings me back to the present and gives me perspective. After a match to cool down I love to FaceTime my family. They mean the world to me.
AM: Of course, as beach volleyball players, you're constantly in the sun, and SPF is an essential! How do you engage in safe sun?
SH: Absolutely, safe sun practices are crucial for us, given the amount of time we spend training and competing outdoors. I make sure to apply sunscreen liberally before each practice or match and reapply regularly throughout the day. The Bliss Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30 is fantastic because it's not just about protection; it's about performance. Knowing we have a reliable sunscreen that's invisible and lightweight allows us to focus entirely on our game without worrying about sun damage.
KC: Engaging in safe sun practices is non-negotiable for us as beach volleyball players. We're out in the sun for hours on end, so protecting our skin is a top priority. I always start my day with a layer of SPF 30 sunscreen, and I carry it with me to reapply as needed. I also love how its neutralizing and almost mattifying! Teaming up with Bliss with their Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30 is a game-changer. It's formulated to be invisible and lightweight, so it doesn't interfere with our performance on the sand.
AM: It seems like we're living in an interesting time where beauty brands are focusing on women's sports to get into their routines especially when it's being used directly in their sport! It makes sense as we can truly see how it is being used which allows us to see how it will work in our day-to-day! What do you think about this synergy between women athletes and beauty brands that are partnering in this way?
SH: It's an exciting development to see beauty brands like Bliss partnering with women athletes. This synergy between sports and beauty not only highlights the importance of skincare for active lifestyles but also celebrates the strength and beauty of women in sports. It's empowering to know that brands recognize our influence and want to support us in our endeavors both on and off the court.
KC: It's a testament to the growing recognition of the intersection between sports and skincare. As athletes, we're constantly exposed to the elements, so having products like Bliss SPF products designed specifically for our needs is invaluable.
AM: When you're not training or competing, how do you take time for yourselves?
SH: I love spending time with friends and family. They are the best support and outlets for me. I also love taking the time to read, jump in the ocean, and take a nice hot bath.
KC: I love a good self care day! A face mask, epsom salt bath, a massage, some quiet time with my Nintendo switch and I’m happy and recharged.
AM: Are there any upcoming projects that you have going on that we should keep an eye out for?
SH: Fun projects coming out with Delta Airlines, Chipotle, KT Tape, Nike, Optimum Nutrition, Eli Lilly, and NBC Sports.
KC: In January we will be running our third annual mentorship camp.
Each year in January we spend 3 days mentoring and pouring into young up and coming beach volleyball players. Usually sophomores or juniors in high school. My husband Jordan and I will ask 6 local female male beach volleyball pros (ranging from AVP champions, Olympians, and Olympic Gold medalists!) to join our camp! During those 3 days, the mentees get to partner up with their pro/mentor and train with them, eat meals together, learn from the whiteboard camps that the mentors run, and participate in fun, silly, competitive group activities together! I think the most beneficial part of camp is what comes after. We ask each mentor to try to continue investing in their mentee consistently for at least the rest of the year! The goal is to create life long relationships that allows an older figure to pour into the next up and coming generation of beach volleyball athletes.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 83 Team USA | PG 84, 9LIST STORI3S PG 89 - 94 Sara Hughes + Kelly Cheng | PG 86 Bliss |
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see JUST SPIKE IT | Sara Hughes + Kelly Cheng in mag.
Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST in mag.
Read the SEP ISSUE #69 of Athleisure Mag and see How to Dress | Summer Bodies Made in the Fall in mag.
When it comes to long distance running, Meb Keflezighi is a global ambassador for the sport. His energy and enthusiasm he has is undeniable if you've had the chance to see him run, attend an industry running event or even a media day with him. He believes in putting in the work and preparing your mind, body and soul when you're hitting the course. He is well-known for winning an Olympic Silver medal for Team USA Track and Field for Marathon, the Boston Marathon, the NYC Marathon, a number of NCAA Championships and National Championships. We talk with this Olympian who has attended the Summer Games 4 times and has the MEB Foundation where he gives back to those who are interested in the sport. He also talks about how he has used his platform in a positive way to inspire others!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with running and what is it about long distance running that attracts you to it?
MEB KEFLEZIGHI: I was first introduced to running when I came to the US in 7th grade when I was in my PE class with Coach Dick Lord. He told me that if I ran hard, I would get an A or a B in the class, and if I was just messing around, I would get a D or a F. My parents always wanted me to get an A in the class no matter what I was taking – Math, Science, Art History or Physical Education Class. I didn’t want to disappoint them so I decided to run hard. It was the mile run. I ended up doing a 5:20 mile to my surprise and the coach’s surprise. He told me that I was going to go to the Olympics and bear in mind, that I didn’t speak English. He told me that I was going to get an A and then I started running. I asked my dad what the Olympics meant and I fell in love with it because it gave me confidence and it gave me friendship with people as well as camaraderie with others. Obviously, distance running is great for me because I get to see beautiful scenery and I am able to travel to different areas as opposed to just being around the track.
AM: For those readers that may not be aware of what long distance running means means, what are the foot races that you would find in this category?
MK: Well there’s the mile which is a long one, there’s a 3K which is about 2 miles which is what I did in high school. It’s debatable on the 800m which is a half mile in terms of whether it is mid-distance or long distance. Anywhere from the mile to the 3K to the 5K which is about 3.1 miles, the 10K which is 6.2 miles, a 15K is 9.3 miles, there is a half marathon which is 13.1 miles and of course 26.2 miles which is a full marathon and is very far. There are some other people that also do ultra marathons (editor’s note: this is any race that is longer than a marathon and these races tend to be 30 mile trail races to a 200 mile relay) which I have never done. I ran from 800m to a marathon in high school, college and professional.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to run professionally?
MK: It’s funny that you asked because for me, going to school at UCLA on a full athletic scholarship, I was there from ‘94 –‘ 99. It was in ’97 that I had a big breakthrough you can call it. I was doing cross country, indoor 5K, and 5K as well as 10K outdoors and I contemplated whether to go pro or not, but I understood the value of education and that my degree would mean a lot more in the long run and I didn’t want to get injured and get set back. So that was the first time that it crossed my mind. But according to others like my 7th grade PE teacher, my high school coach, my classmates and others – their standards were high. They wrote in my yearbook that they would see me in the Olympics and that I was going to make it. But I had no idea how far running was going to take me until 1997 when I won 4 NCAA titles in that year (editor’s note: Meb became the first individual NCAA men’s cross country champion in school history winning in a course record 28 minutes 54 seconds, he won the NCAA indoor track 5,000 meter title and he won for outdoor in the 5,000 meter as well as the 10,000 meter championships).
AM: You are the only athlete in history to win the NY Marathon, the Boston Marathon, 4 X Olympian who won the Silver medal along with all of your NCAA Championships and National Championships. How do you prep for your races physically, mentally and spiritually?
MK: My parents always told me that the key to success is preparation. Do your homework and if you do it, you will do a fine job and that’s whether it’s for school, running or even a professional job. My family was like, tie your shoes, go for a run and of course you have to be systematic to see what you need to be able to excel when you run. For me physically, it was about 100 – 135 miles a week and I do that 4 times a week. People will ask me, do you run every day and I’m like, well you do the math ha! I run multiple times a day. In the afternoon, I do my long run for one intense workout. I don’t try to double up on that. Sometimes I run 10-12 miles in the morning, on the hard days, I will run anywhere from 12-16 miles and then in the afternoon, I will go for a fast mile and an early leisure easy one just to have time on your feet. The other ones are pretty rigorous.
Mentally, I guess you have to believe in yourself and the progress and strengths that you make. You can see the progress weekly, monthly and yearly. This is important for you to be able to see those.
Spiritually, I feel like I have my God given talent and I understand what my purpose is for me. I want to capitalize on my abilities to the fullest and most maximal potential.
AM: I know in terms of your training, you have been quoted in saying that you have a 9 day training cycle as opposed to a training week. Can you tell me more about this and what do you do during that period of time?
MK: We all know that there are 7 days in a week, the 9 day cycle allows me to have that recovery days in between. As you are in high school in college and early professionals, you can get away with a 7 day cycle. You can recover faster. As I got older, I wasn’t recovering and I wanted to make sure that I wouldn’t be injured. So what I did was, you have Monday – Sunday and I cycle on through Monday and Tuesday. For example, if I do a long run on Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday it will be easy for me, but maybe not for everybody else. I can run in the morning and train again in the afternoon. Again on Wednesday, it would be the same thing, 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. But then Thursday will be intervals because race days are faster. So Friday and Saturday would be the same thing that I did on Tuesday and Wednesday. It would be 10 miles or 12 miles in the morning and then the same in the afternoon. On Sunday, I would do my tempo run which is race days that can go anywhere from 6 miles to 16 – 18 miles on race day. You’ve got to warm up before hand and cool down. So it will be anywhere from 20-25 miles on that day. So instead of going back to a hard day on Monday for that workout, you need Monday and Tuesday to recover. So Wednesday would be that next hard session. By doing this, you get to know your body really well. You can start alternating whether you’re doing long runs, intervals or tempo. I can switch it up if the speed isn’t there and put two intervals together – like putting Sunday and Tuesday intervals together and Monday becomes the long run.
AM: From a nutrition standpoint, what do you eat to support your efforts when you’re looking at the next race?
MK: Nutrition is a very important part of training. You have to have a balance. The days that I do a hard workout, I have to have carb load like rice and pasta or potatoes. The days that I have an intense workout like a long run, tempo or intervals. I go with a lot more protein especially as I have gotten older as you try to eat protein to stay as lean as possible. Obviously, right after the workout, I have a drink with a product called UCAN, a UCAN shake. It’s the water and powder and you can have a banana, stretch out, do the ice baths, get a massage maybe and then 2 hours later, have a real meal where there’s eggs whether it’s an omelet or scrambled – whatever works for you. Then you have that afternoon run and then after if it’s a hard run, you have chicken or maybe fish or steak if I’m getting ready for a hard work out as you also want those carbohydrates.
AM: We had the pleasure of being able to meet you in 2016 right before the Summer Games in Rio. We were at Chelsea Piers for the KT Tape Media Day which we were able to meet you and the other athletes as well that are ambassadors of the brand. Why is your partnership with KT Tape so important and how is it synergistic with what you do?
MK: It’s been a great partnership with KT Tape because they understand the demands of what an athlete – not only professional athlete but every day runners or those in sports and what it does to their body. KT Tape understands that they need to be there for the aches and pains and to try to make it as easy as possible for those that are dedicated to their activity. Obviously, their motto is “to finish strong,” in not only races but also in training. I feel very proud to work with them.
AM: We’ve been a fan of their products and have a number of them that we have on hand when we’re on our photoshoots, hitting the tradeshows, being at NYFW, musical festivals etc. The fact that they have a number of recovery options from gels, the Wave+ items that are focused on blisters etc. definitely assists our team in what we do! What are your go to products that you enjoy using?
MK: I usually when I’m training have the KT Tape generic for the tendons and muscles to stabilize them. But I also have the KT Tape Flex for my knees and the KT Tape IT Band. Obviously, the KT Tape Chafe Safe is important as runners, we chafe and that’s important. I have also used the recovery patch as sometimes we have our calves or your glutes and lower back so that you can bring attention to that muscle and it can help you recover and to get you through the workout!
AM: I’m sure that just like us, you enjoyed seeing athletes being able to do what they do best on such a global stage especially due to the postponement of the Summer Games due to COVID, what did participating in the Olympics mean to you as you have done it a number of times?
MK: Well the Olympics are special and the pinnacle of any sport – it’s a big dream whether you’re a runner or any sport! When you make it there, you’re fortunate to be able to be there and it’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to wear that USA jersey on your chest and to represent that red, white and blue. That Jersey – it only becomes real when you put that on. You have dreams and ambitions, but when you’re on that flight to the Olympics or you’re at the Opening Ceremonies and participating with that Jersey on, it’s magnificent! You’re the chosen one and for Track and Field, there are only 3 people in the whole US and you have to earn your spot in order to make it.
Especially for me, I mean, my first experience was the Summer Games in Sydney to go to the Olympics prior to 9/11. It wasn’t my best performance obviously, because I had to stay in the village and I got the flu that was going around. But I was so delighted to be able to represent the US, go to the Opening Ceremony which was on Thursday and I did the 10K and it was done by Mon. But I had a whole 2 weeks to enjoy other sports as long as you have your USA badge and credential. I was able to go on the ferry, the train and the buses and you just flashed your card and could do what you wanted to do and it was great.
I was very fortunate to win an Olympic medal in Athens at the Summer Games in 2004. I was so proud to be able to bring home a medal – I was able to deliver that.
Obviously, for the Summer Games in 2012 in London, it was a challenging situation, I came in 4th but to be in the moment and to keep pushing hard - that's also important to not give up and not to drop out! You have to keep going no matter what! Thinking back, I was 21st half way and I ended up finishing 4th. And also to be able to go to Rio for the Summer Games in 2016 and to be able to understand what I did for my daughters by them seeing me make the team.
AM: Wow that’s definitely quite a history that you have had at the games! Do you have a favorite race or course that you like to run?
MK: Well, I’ve been fortunate enough to do 5Ks, 10Ks, half marathons and full marathons. In terms of my favorite marathon race, it’s the NYC Marathon and obviously I have raced 9 or 11 times there and the crowd really got into it! My most meaningful history is the Boston Marathon that I won in 2014 (editors note: Meb was the first American to win this race since 1983 and this race was a year after the Boston Marathon bombing) and of course equally challenging! Sometimes some of them are hillier at the end. Some of them it’s like on the Verrazano bridge at the beginning you just know you have to take it easy and then to strategize when to make those moves when it counts.
AM: When you’re running, how do you stay motivated and present just like what you were talking about to get to the finish line? We can imagine that there are a lot of mental things going on beyond just running through the course.
MK: It’s a mind game. I always talk about preparation and in training, it’s 90% physical and 10% mental. But once the gun goes off, it switches to 90% mental and 10% physical. You’re physically healthy and ready to go, you have to make good decisions according to your training and what you can and can’t do. Don’t make sudden moves, but you also have to know where you are at certain points of the course to keep driving strong and to never give up. Are you willing to hurt a little bit because you know it’s going to hurt at one point or another – but you’re going to hold on to that person that’s in front of you until you get to that next mile. You know that they’re not going to be able to keep it up the whole way and they’re just trying to break you – so you can’t get broken down.
AM: When you’re prepping for a race on race day, do you have certain things that you have to do before you go to the starting line?
MK: Weeks before the race are very important. You have to do the extra stretching, you have to prep your diet because this is all very important. You can’t eat the way that you used to eat. You have to hydrate and it’s very important. It’s interesting because you might feel a little shaky and eager to go because you’ve been doing 130 miles a week and now you’re going to 40-50 miles and so the energy is there. You just want to be able to go and you have to control the emotions. You just have to know that you have the confidence and that you will do well.
AM: Thinking back in a previous life, we ran the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge for years and it’s a 3K race that takes place in Central Park. In weeks leading up to this event, our team would do small runs and try to prep to take this event on. We were not runners at all, but we always felt so good after completing the race. What is your advice to new runners that are looking to join a race or to simply get into running for fun?
MK: I mean first time runners have to put the dedication and effort into running. If they can do that on a daily basis or whenever you run, you’re going to be ok! You’ve got to pay attention to small things – a small and steady pace will get it done. Don’t panic and try to do the best that you can. Just go at your pace. You don’t know how many years the other competitor running next to you has so just be within yourself and don't try to do what they're doing what they’re doing. Make sure you have the camaraderie and to understand why you came especially if it’s a 5K or anything longer. Pace yourself.
AM: You’re appearing at the Philadelphia Marathon later this year. Why are you coming back to this race and what are you excited about to see all of these great runners there?
MK: It’s great to go back to the Philadelphia Marathon! I think the city is great and obviously, one of my favorite movies is Rocky with the Philly steps and Rocky which I think is pretty cool ha! They’re not a big time marathon, but they are doing a great job with what that week they will have an 8K, a half marathon and then a full marathon.
AM: In many ways, you’re seen as an ambassador or a role model for long distance running and you’re so encouraging to other athletes whether it’s those who race or elsewhere whether they’re professional or enthusiasts. Why is it so important for you to be so positive in supporting athletes?
MK: For me, I came here as an immigrant and I struggled with the language. My dad would sit with myself and my siblings at 4:30am in the morning and we would learn English through the dictionary, one word at a time. I understand that runners work hard and for me to be an ambassador, I know how hard it is. For people to wake up at 5am in the morning to do their run because they have full time jobs and other commitments, I do understand what others are going through as I did when I was a younger kid. To be part of this sport and if we encourage each other, we will support all of us!
AM: You’re also known as a motivational speaker and a NY Best Selling Author, when did you realize that you wanted to add this into your platform as well?
MK: My life has been an interesting one and God gave me the opportunity to discover running in the 7th grade as I said before. But when I was taking English as a second language in 7th, 8th and 9th grade, I saw that I could help others by writing a book and that’s when the seed was planted. Gail and Steven Van Camp, they were my mentors and they helped me when I was in high school and that’s when Run to Win became a philosophy of mine it’s not about winning 1st place but it’s about not giving up on yourself. I felt honored to be able to share my story and to inspire others so that they could be encouraged. Not only for those who are running, but something that’s broader across their lifestyle.
AM: Can you tell us about the MEB Foundation?
MK: The MEB Foundation helps in education and fitness and the sport has given me so much that I want to give back. It’s an honor to give back whether it’s me being able to give shoes to schools or through scholarships for their efforts. I think sports is great for your self-confidence, time management, dedication and commitment to be strong in everything that you do. I love being able to give back in that way!
AM: The MEB Foundation is going to be running at this year’s Boston Marathon and NY Marathon. How can someone participate in these races and are they able to still be involved in this year’s marathon or will they have to wait for next year?
MK: For the MEB Foundation, you can go to my website MarathonMeb.com to find out more details. This year, the Boston Marathon is full and for the NY Marathon, we’re still looking for runners. It’s one way to do fundraising and it’s always great to have people who represent the MEB Foundation and are able to fundraise. That has been the only way to fundraise and we have done amazing work. So head to our site and you can get in touch with me or others who work with me and you can get in touch with us for next year’s Boston Marathon, this year’s NY Marathon and future races.
AM: Are there other projects that you’re working on that you would like to share with us?
MK: I’m spending a lot of time with my daughters as much as I can as they’re into soccer. I continue to do speaking engagements on interests of mine. In 2000 when I came back from Sydney, I coached at a community college which was great to give back and I also knew I wanted to focus on my athletic ability, but I was also proud to be part of that. Down the road, I will probably give back as much as I can. Not only to the elite but regular runners as well.
AM: When you’re not training and inspiring others, what are you doing to take time for yourself?
MK: For me, being dedicated to my athletics as much as I can, but also spending time with my family and friends. Sometimes, I just go biking, riding, kayaking in the water. But I also like to read biographies in the park, so I go there. It’s a great way to get out of the house and have some solitude.
AM: You have had such an impact on so many people inside and outside of the sport. What do you want your legacy to be?
MK: Thank you for asking me that question! I just hope that people have a positive experience when they interact with me. I love that people want to meet me and have waited in lines and even though the conversations may only be 20 secs or a minute, they have waited for half an hour or an hour and I want them to feel positive when they meet or see me. I’m fortunate to be able to connect with them!
AM: We love talking with trailblazers that have inspired others and we want to know who are 3 people that have inspired you to be where you are today?
MK: First and foremost, my parents. They gave up everything that they had and their opportunities not only for me, but for all their kids. They came here, we had to learn the language and we have been positive contributors to society. I feel very blessed that they did that and that they put their life on hold to give us opportunities to step up to the plate and be better ourselves.
In the sport world, I am always inspired by Jackie Robinson breaking barriers in baseball. The Van Camps introduced me to his story and I feel blessed that I read his book and when I was in high school, obviously Jessie Owens (editor’s note: In 2014 at the end of the season USA Track & Field selected Meb’s Boston Marathon victory as the Inspirational Performance of the Year. Later at the same ceremony, he was selected as the winner of the 2014 Jesse Owens Award, the highest accolade given out by the US National governing body for track and field, cross country running, road running and racewalking) was the same thing. What he did was amazing!
But also Jim Ryun (editor’s note: Olympic track and field athlete who at his peak was noted as the world’s top middle-distance runner. He won a Silver Medal in the 1500m at the 1968 Summer Games in Mexico City and was the first high school athlete to run a mile in under 4 minutes. He is the last American to hold the world record in the middle run) the high school phenom and making the Olympics when he was in high school as I have read up on him and watched the documentary. It was awesome.
On an international level Haile Gebrselassie (editor’s note: Haile is a retired long-distance track and road running athlete. He won 2 Olympic gold medals over 10,000 metres and four World Championship titles in the event. He won the Berlin Marathon four times consecutively and also had three straight wins at the Dubai Marathon. In addition, he won four world titles indoors and was the 2001 World Half Marathon Champion. He is known for 2 Olympic Gold Medals, 8 World Championship victories and he set 27 world records and remains the world record holder of the 10-mile run) from Ethiopia has inspired me a lot to do great things in terms of being a competitor. Size doesn’t matter, just keep working hard. Even in challenging situations in UCLA, I always thought if Haile could do it, you just need to put in the work wherever you are. It’s not where you go but what you do there in the time that you have!
IG @RunMeb
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | KT TAPE
Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see Pace Yourself with Meb Keflezighi in mag
The summer has a number of events that are on our calendar whether we're there in person or watching it on TV. The US Open happens to be one of those events that we enjoy here in NY as well as attending events around it from the Taste of Tennis and a series of media events - it's always an exciting time to see the best in the sport.
We're excited for this month's cover, Sofia Kenin who has 5 WTA Singles Titles, 2 WTA Doubles Titles, WTA 4th ranked as well as the Reigning WTA Player of the Year! With a Grand Slam under her belt as the 2020 Australian Open Champion and making the finals at the French Open last year, we are excited to see how she continues to rock it in the sport! We talk about how she got into the sport, preparing for tournaments and how she takes time to enjoy the journey when traveling around the world to play as well as taking it all in as a tourist.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with tennis and at what point did you realize that you wanted to go pro?
SOFIA KENIN: I fell in love with tennis at a very young age. I started playing tennis at the age of 5 and I was watching all of these pros and I was really looking up to them. I was like, around 6 years old and that’s when my dad took me to the Miami Open and that was the video that was going all around you know, when Kim Clijsters took me all around the site and of course, I was really excited since I was such a young girl at the time to see the press conferences, to be walking around and looking at the stadium. That’s when I knew that I wanted to be a professional tennis player. I just had a big dream.
AM: What is it about the sport that draws you to it?
SK: Everything about tennis is such a great sport! It’s physical and it’s a great mental sport where you have to have toughness to play it. Of course, you get to travel around the world to see so many beautiful countries, you stay at the best hotels, the food of course, going out - of course when there wasn’t a bubble and you could explore the city. Of course, there are all the opportunities that come with it and the competition as well! You’re able to do sports interviews, you have a team around you for the matches and when you walk on the court, it’s up to you so that you can compete and leave it all out there.
AM: Our readers, and ourselves included, love watching tennis because it is fun to see our favorites traveling around the world. When it comes to training and prep, can you walk us through what a day or a week looks like in terms of practicing and working out due to an upcoming tournament?
SK: I typically practice tennis twice a day 1 and a half hour practice sessions and after that, of course lunch and recovery with some of my KT Tape. Then, I’m back with my trainer for another couple of hours and recovery is very important in my daily life. I have to maintain a good recovery so that I can do my best during the training week and upcoming tournaments.
AM: What are your go-to workouts that you do that optimize you in tennis?
SK: Sprints, drills, agility, core – a little bit of that. Of course, weights in the gym.
AM: In terms of the tennis season, when does it start and end for you?
SK: Well of course, everything has changed with the whole pandemic! Typically, the tournaments start in January in Australia which has big travel days and everything which is where I won Australia! Of course, there are all those tournaments after that and it finishes off in Asia in the fall. But the end of the season this year, will be in Indian Wells which I can’t complain because I love Indian Wells – but we usually finish our season in Asia.
AM: What is your off season like? What do you do during that time? Are you still training or do you take time for yourself to realign everything?
SK: Of course, there is a lot of training and that’s when you have to build up physically and mentally and you do have to find some downtime. It’s not all about tennis, you’re traveling on the weeks and you obviously want to have some downtime to just go hang out with my friends, some time with my family, to go to the beach, to do some shopping! I love being able to hang out in the sun and to have time in the water and to be able to work on my tan as I can’t really do that all year. So I have about a month or so to get that tan and I need to use that time.
AM: It’s always fun to see singles and doubles matches because it’s interesting to see how a player has these different dynamics when playing each one. When you’re playing, is there a different approach to when you’re playing a singles match versus doubles?
SK: Of course, singles you’re kind of on your own and the court is wide open as you need to be able to move around a lot. But doubles, you’re with your partner and it’s my friends and you’re having a good time, you don’t have to be as serious as you do for singles, but of course you still want to be able to do well. Doubles requires that you have to have a really good connection with your partner and really good hands at the net, because both players are tough and you know that they have really good hands at the net. They know how to do I-formation. You can tell the difference between a doubles player and those that just want to have fun and play which would be me. It’s fun playing doubles, I like it!
AM: It’s funny because when I worked at Lacoste HQ, our department would play tennis in the summers as a fun way to connect. I wasn’t concerned about the singles play, I was ok with that – I’m not a professional by any means, but the doubles! I always ways wondered how people were able to play this as I was always anxious about where I was standing and where my partner was, it was terrifying!
SK: It can be scary sometimes especially when the ball is coming to the net and then you’re like, “oh my God, am I going to get hit in the face?”
AM: Seriously!
SK: Right, nowadays, you hit the ball around as you’d rather hit it out, then hit your opponents.
AM: Over the past 18 months, we’ve interviewed a number of athletes and recording artists about how they were able to be creative or still active in their sport during the pandemic. We found that many of them had really creative ways that they were able to stay in shape. Did you have anything like that for last year that you had to navigate due to not being able to access certain courts or things like that?
SK: Of course! It was really difficult for everyone! We were traveling and had safe bubbles when we were participating in our tournaments as we could only go to the hotel and straight to the tournament site. Obviously, that was not the most fun thing, but ok – that’s what we had to do. It’s hard to be on the road for weeks and months at a time without being able to walk or to explore the beautiful city or Mother Nature.
Over time, I have learned that small things have been working for me. I started a new TV show that I enjoy watching and I had a few, but I started watching Keeping Up with the Kardashians or I would play some music on Spotify.
AM: Even with last year being such a tough year for so many of us in various ways, you were literally killing it! You won the Australian Open, you were a finalist at the French Open – what was it like to have that kind of achievement taking place?
SK: It was absolutely amazing and I could never describe those moments. It was the highlight of my career. It has been a dream of mine to win a Grand Slam and I was completely speechless when I won. A few tournaments that happened after that, I didn’t win, but I am only human and it happens to everyone. When you win a Grand Slam, it’s exciting and you feel a lot of pressure after that and the expectations of those from the outside and I was able to somehow find myself back and I was able to close off the year as a French Open finalist! It was nice and I was happy for the way that I was able to come back, play tennis and to be able to prove to myself that I won a Grand Slam and that it wasn’t by accident. Unfortunately, I wish that I had won the French Open, but I got to the finals and not too many people can say that. I just hope that I can continue and that I will have many more Grand Slams under my belt.
AM: For sure, I mean your stats and what you have accomplished is really phenomenal. Being ranked 4th in the WTA, being the top American in singles – that is such an amazing feat to have! What are your goals for the remainder of the season or what you’re looking forward to in terms of next year.
SK: Number 1 is to stay healthy. We always downplay it and we look at tennis, tennis, but health is #1 and you can’t buy it. With all of these tournaments being back-to-back, players can have injuries right now. It’s a great part of the season because we’re back in North America and playing in front of the US fans and I’m excited to be able to compete and to get back into my matches and hopefully continue to make more memories and getting more into the spotlight, I guess!
AM: With the remainder of the season, do you have a favorite upcoming tournament that is always your favorite to go into?
SK: I like all of them, but I’m obviously looking forward to the US Open. I love the fans, I love NYC and I love being there. I look I look forward to after the pandemic being able to enjoy seeing the city, being able to walk down 5th Ave and to see all of the people and the beautiful city.
AM: When you’re looking at your IG, of course we know you’re focused on your game, but it’s cool to see you enjoying being a tourist in the city that you’re competing in! What are your 3 favorite cities that you love to be in whether you’re shopping or eating?
SK: Thank you for saying that I’m a tourist, because I love being that and when you’re shopping, you can never go wrong in Paris, Rome or NY, it’s one of the most beautiful cities. You can do really great shopping there as they are my favorites and they have the best food!
AM: We love talking about a number of verticals from sports, travel etc. As the Style Director and fashion stylist, fashion and personal style are of interest to me as well as Athleisure Mag! I love the bold personal statements that you have made in your looks. How would you define your personal style?
SK: I think fashion is super fun and I enjoy it! I have always wanted to be a fashion designer, maybe not drawing as I don’t have the best hands for that, but being able to put pieces together as a fashion stylist. I’m easy going. I like nice dresses, I like casual wear and of course I’m not afraid to wear colors or designs. I wear a little bit of everything. Of course, I like to wear the nice top designers and I try to shop there nowadays – not trying to be spoiled or anything, but I do like keeping up with the fashion.
AM: We know you’re sponsored by FILA and in looking at your looks from last season, I love the Heritage Collection (Fall Heritage Dress) that you wore as well as Mad For Plaid (Print Racer Tank and Plaid Flared Skirt), what does it mean to have them as a sponsor and do you foresee designing a capsule collection with them?
SK: First of all, I really love the Heritage Collection as well! It’s such a great and prestigious brand and I really love that they have done such a great job in designing my clothes and we have such a great relationship. I’m really lucky to have them as my sponsors. They are super supportive of me and have always been there for me and have allowed me to be my authentic self. They also have great lifestyle clothes as well which I have obviously been asking for them to send me some outfits and shoes. It fits with my style and it’s great working with them. Once I start getting back and playing better, there is an option where maybe I can design something of my own! But right now, I enjoy what we’re doing now and maybe after my tennis career, down the road, I could be a fashion stylist or something of that nature as fashion can always come back!
AM: We talked a bit earlier about KT Tape. Why do you feel there was such a synergy between you and the brand and that it made sense for them to be a sponsor for you?
SK: It’s a great product for recovery and many people don’t realize how important recovery is. As a professional athlete, I believe that KT Tape as a brand and a company is one that fits authentically into my life. I love using products such as KT Tape Cold Massage Roller and the KT Recovery+ Pain Relief Gel Roll-On. I’m super proud to be part of that brand.
AM: Couldn’t agree more. We find when we’re at photoshoots, press junkets, media events, attending NY Fashion Week and music festivals, their KT Performance+ Blister Treatment Patch and BFF Blister Prevention Tape is something that the team enjoys using so we can continue to stay on our feet and do the job that we need to do!
You have such a passion for the sport, do you do anything to give of your time to assist the community or to work with kids that are drawn to tennis?
SK: I love being an inspiration to kids and the younger generation as I know that they look up to me. I participate in a number of activities in every tournament which I’m invited to. I love doing that. It’s a bit early in my career and a lot of players have their foundations and I help them in whatever way that I can.
AM: You’re currently the WTA Player of the Year. What do you want your legacy to be in this sport?
SK: Well I just want to keep playing and continue to enjoy myself. I want to win more Grand Slam titles. I’m 22 years old so I haven’t thought about my legacy, but I definitely want to be a role model to young girls that want to be a tennis player one day. I want them to remember my name and remember me as I have looked up to Serena Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Anna Kournikova, Maria Sharapova – everyone that I have looked up to. They inspired me and I want to be someone like that for those coming up. I’d love to be an icon and maybe be the next Serena Williams, but maybe let me get a few more Grand Slams or be like the 3 GOATS Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic who have all won 20 Grand Slams which is pretty incredible! If it’s possible, I will take it!
AM: You're still in your season so when you’re not on the court, how do you take time for yourself?
SK: Of course shopping because I love it and I’m crazy about it! I love to have dinner with my friends and family, going to the beach or I can stay in bed all day and just watch Netflix and Hulu and just relax!
IG @Sofia.Kenin
PHOTOS COURTESY | Front Cover, PG 21 + 22 KT TAPE | PG 16 -18, 25 + Back Cover Sofia Kenin |
Read the JUL ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag and see For the Love of the Game with Sofia Kenin in mag.
Next month the Summer Olympics will take place in Tokyo. While we look forward to seeing a number of our favorites in Track & Field, Swimming and Volleyball, there are a number of sports that will make their debut and skateboarding is one of them! We're excited to catch up with an athlete who has been at the top of his sport for the past couple of years and is an advocate for skateboarding and its community. Heimana Reynolds has showcased his style and creativity at a number of World Championships, X Games and will now take the world's biggest stage in just a few weeks representing Team USA Skateboarding.
We caught up with this Hawaiian native who calls San Diego, CA his home to find out how he got into skateboarding, going pro, the Olympic Trials and the power of recognition.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When we grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, we remember that after school, even though we didn’t skateboard, but we had friends that did. You could see how fun it was. Living here in NY, you see it all the time from a transportation perspective or just people being out having a good time! How were you introduced to the sport?
HEIMANA REYNOLDS: Well, I’m born and raised in Hawaii right? I mean, my state is known as the surfing capital of the world! Originally, my dad he was born and raised as the board sports rider from surfing, skating and snowboard riding when he could. At first, at a young age, he introduced me to surfing. From there, I was very young like 4 or 5 years old and at that age, there are so many variables that have to do with surfing – it’s cold, it’s windy, it’s this and that. So I didn’t fall in love with it at that age. When I was 6 or 7, my dad was like, “ok what’s the next best thing? Skateboarding. Let’s try this." He introduced me to skateboarding and I just fell in love with it. He would take me all day, every day, after school, before school and weekends! It was just history from there you know?
AM: When did you realize you wanted to be an athlete and be a professional skateboarder?
HR: I remember the day that I realized that this was something that I want to be able to do. My very first contest my dad took me to was in California, it’s this contest for all 12 and under skateboarders. He took me out there and I got to meet so many people, I got to compete for the first time and I actually did well for myself even though it was the beginners division! And I actually won a few divisions! I thought, “woah this is cool, this is awesome and I want to be able to do this for the rest of my life!” And hopefully I can! So far so good you know?
AM: You have won so many things from World Championships to being at the X Games and all of these different events. What has that journey been like for you?
HR: Oh my gosh, it’s been amazing! All I can say is that I’m so blessed to be able to travel the world and to meet all of these amazing people and get to do all of this because of skateboarding. Who would have ever thought that I could be traveling the world, I could be competing, I could be winning, I could be making money off of this wooden toy with wheels? You know what I mean? This journey has really been amazing and it’s not done yet! I mean, I’m super excited for Tokyo and it’s going to be the most amazing thing ever.
AM: That is going to be insane! I know you were talking about growing up in Hawaii and you live in California now in San Diego, what’s the skating scene or community like in terms of similarities and differences between where you grew up and where you are now?
HR: Honestly, there are so many similarities and differences. Growing up in Hawaii, I mean the similarities – well the reason why I moved to San Diego is that pretty much it’s the closest thing that’s like being in Hawaii without being in Hawaii. I’m able to still surf and skate every single day. I moved out here mainly because of the skate park and the skate scene out here you know? The cool thing about being out here is that you can stand in a certain area like my house let’s say and point in any direction and I can tell you where the skate park is. I think that is the coolest thing ever because there’s so many skate parks and not only is it about the quantity of skate parks but the quality of skate parks that are out here! Compared to Hawaii, it’s off the charts! Being out here and being able to skate, be at all of these different parks, being able to be out at the entire skateboarding scene out here is honestly the best thing for my skate career.
AM: That’s awesome! What’s an average day like for you when you’re training or doing your tricks? How many hours are you actually on your skateboard?
HR: Haha! Well a normal training day for me would of course be waking up at about 7:15/7:30am, getting out of bed, getting my day started and going straight to the NAKOA Gym where I meet with my personal trainer, Brandon Glade. We run through a bunch of – not so much body-building exercises but building muscle around my joints to prevent injuries. So we do all of those exercises for about an hour. I go home and I get a nice breakfast in me and I go straight to the California Training Facility which is the Olympic Skatepark for us. I go there and my first session will be about usually 3-4 hours just running tricks that I want to work on, trying to learn tricks and hone in on tricks that need work on and I grab some lunch after. Then I go back to the skate park and then I run lines to get my stamina up, to do the tricks that I learned earlier that day or those that I need to work on. Just kind of running my legs together so that’s another 3-4 more hours!
AM: That is definitely a lot! What are the specific workouts that you do to optimize you in your sport as I know you’re focused on building the muscle around joints? Do you have go-to’s that you do?
HR: We’re always changing up a lot of stuff. We do stamina work, we do cardio, we do a lot of agility stuff, landing hard and trying not to land hard on your bones! Also doing lightweight stuff. I don’t know the exact names for everything, but my trainer, he’s awesome! He’s the best in the business in my eyes.
AM: Prior to COVID-19, what was your year like in terms of your competitions just to give people an idea of what your schedule was like and how much you traveled?
HR: Oh my gosh! It was never a dull moment to say the least haha! There was honestly a time before COVID where there was a contest between where it was pretty much every weekend or every other weekend. We were able to travel to China, Brazil and all of these crazy countries and multiple times in that same year! I’d just bring my skateboard along and just kind of go with it. It was so amazing to be able to feel out all of those different cultures and just competing on those weekends. Oh my gosh it was amazing and so much fun. It was definitely strenuous but it was definitely a super amazing ride.
AM: Did you find, because we have been interviewing a number of athletes, that during this time before things started opening up again that in order to keep training and working out, that you had to do weird modifying situations to still stay healthy and on track for what you wanted to be able to do? We talked with Ryan Murphy a few months back and he was pushing his SUV up a hill because he couldn’t get to a gym haha!
HR: Haha yeah! During COVID, it was a crazy time especially being a park skater where you have all these ramps and big concrete – all the skate parks were closed you know? So it was really hard for me to be able to motivate myself. It was really funny, I had to do a lot of my sessions where I was in my living room and literally skating my coffee table and doing tricks off my coffee table and stuff like that! It got down to the point where I had a bunch of cases of Vitamin Water and I literally set them up and I was grinding on them and going over them – it was actually pretty funny!
It was actually a really cool experience to be able to not have to worry about the stress of events and training but to actually fall in love with my skateboard again, you know? It reminded me of when I was 8 years old and I would skate in my driveway for hours on end and just like having fun with literally nothing. I thought it was a really cool experience.
AM: Do you have go-to movements or signature movements that you do when you’re skateboarding?
HR: I do. I have a couple. My main trick that I’m kind of “known” for is called a Frontside Invert and it’s where you go front side up to the coping and you kind of plant your hand on the coping and you kind of do a one handed handstand while holding your board and then bring it back in. That’s one of my favorite tricks and I try to do that in every contest. It’s a super fun one!
AM: It looks awesome and you were in our 9PLAYLIST feature last month and we have that shot as the background of your playlist. That shot looks amazing and it’s impressive, but it must be so hard to be able to do that! Not for you obviously!
HR: It’s a lot of falling down and a lot of getting back up to learn it and to perfect it, you know?
AM: Exactly! What was the Olympic Trial process like and how many events did you have to do to qualify?
HR: The Olympic process was a cool experience, but also there are a lot of similarities and differences compared to contests that we’re used to! There’s a whole new thing with the point system and trying to get as many points as you can because it’s the Olympics and everybody wants to get to it. There are only 3 spots for Team USA, you know? So, we had 3 main events in 2019 and then we had 2 more in 2020 until the postponement and then we had another 2 this year. In 2019, at the first event, I was able to make finals but got 6th place, the next 2 were a Pro Tour event and then the World Championships and I was lucky enough to make the runs that I needed and win those 2 events which really boosted my score a lot leading into 2020 and 2021. Unfortunately, the most recent 2 events, I battled a knee injury and had to pull out of those events, but luckily for me, I had enough points to stay in the top spot and make it to the Games.
AM: Which is amazing! Once again thinking back to growing up seeing our friends skateboard back in the 80’s and 90’s, we couldn’t have imagined that it would be a sport at the Summer Games! How important do you think that this is for the visibility of the sport and then you being a part of the debut of that?
HR: Honestly, just hearing you ask me that question just gave me the chills you know what I mean? The shivers went through my spine because it’s such an amazing thing. First, it’s amazing for the sport to be at the Olympics and I have always thought that it deserved the recognition and that it should be considered a real sport to be at the Olympics. For me to be able to actually compete in the debut of the sport means the world to me. Skateboarding is my entire world. It’s all I’ve ever known and it’s all I ever do. It’s what I’m so passionate about and to be able to make history with skateboarding means so much to me and I’m so honored and blessed to be able to say that I will be in the debut of skateboarding for the Olympics.
AM: It’s so amazing and what are you looking forward to at the Games and what does your schedule look like leading up to heading to Tokyo?
HR: Oh my God – I mean I honestly don’t even know what to expect. I know that there are a lot of guidelines and stuff like that, but I’m really going to be there for the ride and the experience and kind of just making the memories of a lifetime out there!
Leading up to the Games, I am definitely training as much as I can without being injured. I’m just trying to keep my mind and my body healthy. I’m trying to keep my legs warm and I know that there are tricks that I want to be able to do before the Games so I’m honing in on those and not trying to get too crazy learning anything more before the Games. I have my tricks that I want to do and my lines that I want to run and pretty much, just trying to stay healthy and reviewing the park layout and getting ready!
AM: For Olympic Skateboarding, the events are broken out between street style and park style. Can you share the difference between these events?
HR: Of course. When you talk about street skating, automatically you think about the street. You’re skating on the street, but it has a lot to do with what you see around town. Street skaters will be skating stairs, handrails and jumping off of things like that. In park skating, you’re going to see more of ramp style where you see quarter pipes, half pipes, coping and long grinds and it will be really fast and high airs.
AM: In looking at competing in park, can you break down from an Olympic standpoint – how do you accrue points, what are judges looking for? So when we’re cheering you on, we can understand how you’re being scored?
HR: When you’re skating in park, one of the coolest things about park and skateboarding in general is the creativity aspect behind it. So, a lot of the judges are looking for the speed that you’re going at and how fast you’re going, how many tricks they can pull together in their 45 second run, how high their airs are and stuff like that. But it also goes into the creativity aspect. If you’re watching a skate contest, you will never see someone do the same run as another skater. That is the coolest thing because it brings the individuality out of the sport. A lot of the judges are looking for high airs, long grinds, going fast, how many difficult tricks you can pull without falling and the creative aspect of how unique your line was with all the tricks and which ones went back-to-back.
AM: For the Olympics, you have a designated uniform that you have to wear, but do you also have a specific board or shoes that you wear or are you able to choose your own for that?
HR: So yeah, we have the Olympic designed uniforms that we wear, but shoes, boards and helmet go under equipment. So, we can bring our own stuff in for those. I’ll have my The Heart Supply skateboard, I’ll be wearing my Axion Slip On shoes. They’re my favorite shoes and super comfortable – I love them. Also, my helmet will be a black S1 Helmets.
AM: I know that you’re partnered with KT Tape and our readers and followers know the brand and have seen them on athletes such as those in swimming and volleyball and how they use it. How is it beneficial for you when using it in skateboarding and why did you feel that it was a synergistic partnership for you to be aligned with their brand?
HR: In skateboarding and specifically with me, I don’t like to have any restrictions especially with braces and things like that. So, if I hurt my ankle, my knee or my wrist, I don’t want to have this brace that restricts my movement too much and gets in my way with this big bulky brace on my knee. So when I partnered up with KT Tape, they taught me how to tape up my knee, ankle or anything else, it really helped to hold my knee or ankle in place without having to deal with the restrictions of a bulky brace. It was really cool to experience that and to learn how to use the tape. They have a bunch of different stuff. I use the KT Recovery+ Wave that’s this electromagnetic pain relief thing. So if my shoulder is super sore after a long skate session, I’ll tape that thing onto my shoulder and I won’t feel it at all but the next morning I’ll wake up and say, “wow, that really helped a lot!” They also have KT Recovery+ Pain Relief Gel Roll-On and stuff like that. They have a lot of different products that help progress my skateboarding a lot.
AM: It’s always fun to do prep for these interviews and I know you’re in the campaign imagery with Ralph Lauren as well which you have such the look for that. But we also came across the Proper Rideshop. Can you tell us more about this?
HR: Like when I told you earlier about my dad and how he got me into skateboarding, once he realized that this was what I wanted to do – he took into account that if this was something that I wanted to be able to do and that skateboarding would be my life that they would turn their lives into it too! Him and my mom both quit their jobs, got an indoor warehouse, opened a skate shop in the front and a full skatepark in the back. They run camps and clinics to teach skateboarding to the youth. It’s a super cool environment. We have a membership program where we have over 400 members with young kids. We give back to the community and work with some homeschool programs teaching them where this is a form of their PE classes. We work with this program called A.skate Foundation which works with special needs kids in the autistic community. Proper Ride Shop has turned into a full family affair and it’s amazing.
AM: That’s amazing what they do for the community and the fact that you were able to train there while you were growing up!
HR: Yeah that’s true! They opened it up 10 years ago. I’ve been able give back to the community there and then after hours, be there to get training in.
AM: That’s fantastic and because you’re passion for the sport is so evident, in what ways do you give back to the sport and the community?
HR: I teach kids about the sport and I try to go around to help the kids of the next generation. Proper Rideshop is a really cool thing to give back to the community. Once, I was part of the next generation and people gave back to me and now that I’m in that next generation, I want to see the younger generation just strive and help them become what I did. I love giving back to the community.
AM: When you’re not skateboarding, what would we find you doing when you’re just taking time for yourself?
HR: When I’m not skating, I like to be in the ocean. Whether it’s surfing, fishing – especially back at home. I’m always going to be in the ocean because that’s my little zen mode. I grew up surfing and skateboarding my entire life so if I’m not at the skate park, I’m definitely surfing.
AM: We love talking to people that are changemakers that inspire other people. Who are 3 people that have helped you in your career where you are whether you know them personally or follow them socially?
HR: Oh man. The first one that comes to mind is definitely Shaun White! He has been a huge inspiration to me since I was a young kid just watching him at the X Games skateboarding and snowboarding. I knew of the time and dedication that he took whether he was on or off his board. It really just made me see what was out there and made me want to push and be the best that I could be. It’s actually really cool. During the beginning of the Olympic Trials for skateboarding, he was like, “I want to start skating again and do this." From there, I used to see him at the skate park a bunch and I was like, “woah that’s Shaun White, I looked up to him as a little kid.” We actually built a relationship together and I’m able to call him up and go skate anytime I want! It's a really cool thing to be able to do that and to have him as a good friend of mine. He’s an amazing human.
Another person that really inspires me and I know that it might sound cliché, but my dad really inspires me a lot. He was the person who taught me what hard work is and the person that pretty much paved the way for me and taught me every life lesson that I know. He’s the one that pushed me when I wanted to quit and he helped me get back up and he is definitely one of the biggest inspirations in my life.
As a skateboarding standpoint, Tony Hawk – of course he’s been a huge inspiration to me. Not only is he probably the biggest name in skateboarding, he also opened up the doors to show that you don’t have to just be a skateboarder. He designed his own game, he gives back to the community, he travels the world and he gives skateboards to little kids. He is one of the most amazing human beings and he has inspired me my entire life.
PHOTOS COURTESY | KT Tape + Ralph Lauren
Read the JUN ISSUE #67 of Athleisure Mag and see A Wild Ride with Heimana Reynolds in mag.
Back in 2016, we interviewed 2 X Team USA Beach Volleyball Olympic Medalist April Ross after her Bronze win at the Olympic Games in Rio. Flash forward to this month's cover, we caught up with April Ross to talk about indoor vs beach volleyball, the AVP Tour and the upcoming Olympic Games in Tokyo that are slated to take place next year. We also talk about April joining the KT Tape team and how she uses her social platform to inspire and motivate her followers to stay motivated in their health and fitness journey.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When was the moment that you realized that you wanted to transition from an indoor volleyball player to a beach volleyball player?
APRIL ROSS: There was no specific moment, it was kind of a process and I had kind of given up indoor and just fell out of love with it. My big thing is that I just want to be able to enjoy my journey always. I just wasn’t enjoying my indoor journey. My teammate from USC was playing on the beach and asked me to play in some qualifying events on the beach with her to just help her out. I went out there and we didn’t do very well and I wasn’t very good, but I just fell in love with the sport of beach volleyball. I stuck with it and played it for a while, struggled for a while and I finally broke through and started to have some success and then you know, I just kept riding that wave.
AM: In your opinion, what is the biggest difference between indoor vs. beach volleyball?
AR: There are two biggest differences for me – obviously the surface, it is so ridiculously hard to move and jump in the sand – that just creates a totally different challenge in beach volleyball than when you are playing indoor volleyball. The other big difference is that you touch the ball every single play. You are involved in every single play. You can go through an entire rally during indoor and not touch the ball once. On the sand, when you want a point, you have to touch the ball. I feel like there is a lot more accountability on each player in beach.
AM: Last summer, we attended the AVP NYC Open which was a lot of fun. Obviously, you and Alix Klineman won and typically, right now you would be in the thick of the AVP schedule. How have you been spending your time since you’re not doing that at the moment?
AR: Life looks a little different right now. I’m at home pretty much all day. I’m working on some home improvement stuff that I have never had time for. That’s actually really nice. I checked out a big amount of gym equipment from the USA Volleyball Gym and I cleaned out my garage which has been full of storage stuff for the last 10 years. I created a home gym and I am able to get my full lift in there which is about 2 and a half hours. I’m going to Home Depot today to get supplies to make a wooden squat rack. Because I do a little bit of woodworking too and I am getting back into the hobby now that I have some time to explore that so I thought putting my time into making a wooden squat rack would be great. I looked at some designs online that I want to try. Working out, visioning, I’m doing a lot reading and a lot of reflectioning as well as journaling. I’ve been doing a lot of Zoom calls. I mean, everyone is doing the Zoom calls.
AM: For sure. Obviously, with the Olympics being pushed back to next year, what does this next period look like for you especially in regards to training and getting prepared for that?
AR: That’s a constant discussion with my team. We’re trying to grasp onto something in the near future that we can train for and that’s proving hard to do obviously. So, we’re kind of waiting and seeing the government guidelines are when we can get back out on the beach. We want to take advantage of this time, but it’s really hard if we can’t get out on the sand. We can do so much off of the sand, but you have to be able to practice. We’re trying to see how we can have a training camp and if we can do it safely if there is a private court somewhere and we take the proper precautions, maybe in June at some point we can get on the sand and do 3 – 4 weeks of training camp. If there is still nothing on the schedule, maybe we can take a week off. I mean, it’s tough. I’ve never ever had to do anything like this.
AM: It’s a day-by-day thing.
AR: Right, it’s literally a day-by-day thing. It’s a constant brainstorm and getting creative and with each new piece of information, it changes so we’re trying to be really go with the flow!
AM: The weekend of May 22nd, I love that you have partnered with KT Tape to do an Instagram Live event where we can train like an Olympian, actually work out with you and get off of our butts to get a good workout in. Why is this so important for you to participate in this?
AR: I’m really excited for this KT Tape Instagram Live workout. Because I’m not playing and I can’t really interact with fans to encourage and motivate people through my competitions and stuff, I love doing this and engaging people and helping them while they’re at home. Maybe I am creating a little bit motivation or making it a little bit easier for people to have access and information on how to work out and to stay healthy during this time – as well as how to do it while you’re staying at home. I feel like I’m still of service in some way and I just really like to have some kind of positive influence on whoever decides to follow me on social media. I don’t want it to just be “look at me – look at what I’m doing.” I want to give back and I want to help people accomplish their goals and to stay healthy.
AM: You just joined KT Tape earlier this year. What is it about the brand that is such a great synergy with you and how you operate?
AR: I think KT Tape is essential to being an athlete, to staying healthy in general especially in this time. I don’t have a lot of access to physical therapy and therapists. That’s essential to my program and to staying healthy as I have these aches and pains. Because I have KT Tape, I’m able to use that to support my joints and my muscles. All of last season, it was huge as it was for qualifications. I strained my quad early on in the season and it was kind of a big factor and without being able to use KT Tape and tape it all summer, I think I would have been in so much more pain. I had to tape it through World Championships and all through our biggest tournament. Throughout my whole career, I have leaned on my ability to tape myself and literally keep myself together – so it’s a natural fit. As I get older, I need it more and more.
AM: What kinds of workouts will you be including for your Instagram Live with KT Tape?
AR: Well it’s going to be a shoulder stabilization and strengthening workout. I’m trying to think of things that maybe people have not hit so far and that there aren’t a lot of information on. I think that a lot of us are probably on the couch a good amount hunched over and we’re sitting on the computer a lot with Zoom calls. To try and rectify our posture a little bit, I’m going to touch on that stuff.
AM: Who have been 3 people that have inspired you in your career whether you know them personally, follow them online etc? We like asking our changemakers this question as it’s a key one for our podcast #TRIBEGOALS.
AR: Oh wow! People that have inspired me – I would say that one person who has really helped me get through this time is Glennon Doyle. I’m reading her book and she does little Instagram TV videos daily. I love following her. I have recently been inspired by Megan Rapinoe and how vocal she has been for everything, that is amazing. Then, Dr. Michael Gervais – he is a sports psychologist. I was on a panel for Victoria Garrick, she played at USC and is kind of a mental health advocate. She has me, another athlete and Dr. Gervais on to speak to her and her following. Just listening to him, he gave me a lot of ideas that I could be doing in this time to kind of just get my vision right, my mission, my life philosophies etc. so that when we get out of this, I’m all in alignment – spiritually. He’s definitely someone that has influenced me as well.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 16 - 21 + 29 Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire | PG 22 - 27 + 30 KT Tape - Editorial Design by Athleisure Mag |
Hear 2 X Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball Medalist, April Ross on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multi-media podcast network! Make sure to subscribe to find out when the episode drops. You can hear it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts and wherever you enjoy listening to your favorite podcast.
Read the May issue of Athleisure Mag and see To the Beach with April Ross in mag.
On today’s episode of #TRIBEGOALS, we catch up with 2 X Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball medalist, April Ross (she is also Athleisure Mag's May 2020 Issue #53). Avid readers know that we interviewed a few months after she won Bronze at the Olympic Games in Rio with her teammate, Kerri Walsh Jennings. Today we talk about how she continues to train as she looks towards the AVP schedule which is currently postponed as well as focusing on the Olympic Games in Tokyo that are slated to begin the summer of 2021. She shares her transition from indoor volleyball to beach, staying fit by creating her backyard gym and her sponsorship by KT Tape and staying active.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
This month’s cover and back cover is April Ross, 2 X Team USA Olympic Beach Volleyball Medalist. Our cover shoot editorial – To the Beach, talks about April’s career, the difference between indoor and beach volleyball, her relationship with KT Tape and how she is staying fit at home while she waits for the return of the AVP Tour and Olympic Games in 2021. We will also have this interview as an upcoming podcast for #TRIBEGOALS. In our feature, Something You Should Know, we chat with Emily Skye, Celebrity Fitness Expert about staying fit, being a wife and mom with baby #2 on the way and a great workout we should incorporate into our routine. This month, we chatted with Seniesa Estrada, WBA’s 18-0 flyweight title holder. She talks about her career, how she is training during this time and what it’s like to have Danny Trejo in her corner. We also talk with International CrossFit star, actress and Resident Tagger on FOX’s Ultimate Tag, Brooke Ence. She talks about CrossFit, being in Justice League and Wonder Woman as well as her new show.
As usual, we have our monthly roundups including our 9LIST (Athleisure Mag’s picks that we’re loving this month in style, beauty and fitness) featured roundups. This month’s 9LIST STORI3S (picks supplied by celebrities) gives us insight into tennis powerhouse, Rafael Nadal. This month’s 9PLAYLIST includes Supermodel and Fashion Icon EDM DJ Naomi Campbell who shares her favorite songs with us. As always, you can enjoy Athleisure List (Peleton and Purple Carrot), The Pick Me Up, Bingely Books, Bingely Streaming, Style Files, Rock This For Your Virtual Happy Hours, Athleisure Beauty, How to Dress, In Our Bag, #TRIBEGOALS and Papaya Beauty.
Read the May Issue of Athleisure Mag.
Read more from the Nov Issue of Athleisure Mag and see The Pick Me Up in mag,
Read more from the July Issue of Athleisure Mag and see In Our Bag | A Bit of Disco Shopping in mag.