9LIST STORI3S | SLOANE STEPHENS
SERVING UP SELF-CARE | SLOANE STEPHENS
As we close out 2022, we're already thinking about what we're going to do in the New Year personally and professionally! In the midst of all this activity, we need to take time and to enjoy the moments along the way!
This month's cover is Grand Slam US Open 2017 Champion, Sloane Stephens. She has made impressive moments at the French Open, Australian Open, Wimbledon and a number of matches and won an ESPY for Top Female Tennis Player in 2018 and because of her philanthropic work with the Sloane Stephens Foundation, she was nominated and a finalist for the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award in 2019.
We have had the pleasure to connect with her in previous issues, but this month, we're talking about her upcoming tennis season, self-care and what she does while traveling! She definitely knows a thing or two about juggling a busy schedule while also taking the necessary time that she needs.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We had the pleasure of interviewing a few years back and then right before the US Open, you took time out of your schedule to share your 63MIX ROUTIN3S with us about what you do Morning, Afternoon and Night. With the season starting Jan 1st, what are the weeks like for you between now and the start of the season whether it’s training, relaxing, enjoying the holiday season, etc?
SLOANE STEPHENS: I’ve had one of the best off-seasons I’ve ever had this year! I started out by freezing my eggs at Kindbody. I’ve wanted to freeze my eggs for a while and the timing was finally right to commit to the process. From there, we went to Iceland to celebrate Jozy’s birthday and spent a few days as a family at the Retreat Hotel at the Blue Lagoon getting spa treatments and soaking in the hot springs. Iceland is only a 5 hour nonstop flight from Boston, so it was an easy trip! The day after Thanksgiving, we left for Africa. We went on the most incredible safari in South Africa at Londolozi and saw a gorilla trek at Virunga National Park. This was my first trip to Africa and I cannot wait to go back. I’m now back in Boston doing a training block with my trainer before heading for a tennis training block in Cabo through Christmas. From Cabo, I’ll fly directly to Auckland, NZ to begin the season!
AM: What tournaments are you looking forward to this year?
SS: Red clay is my favorite surface, so I always look forward to the European clay court season in the spring, which culminates at Roland Garros. As an American, any time I can play on US soil is extra special, so I’m looking forward to playing at Indian Wells, Miami, the US Open, and a new tournament in Austin.
AM: What is your routine before and after your matches?
SS: Before I play, I usually eat some pasta and a piece of lean protein like a chicken breast or piece of fish. I typically go into the locker room and put my headphones in and spend some time thinking and mentally going over the match plan I outlined with my coach the night before. About 30 minutes before my match, I’ll break a light sweat on a stationary bike and go through some fitness drills to make sure I’m starting the match with quick feet and dynamic movement.
After the match, I’ll do a quick cool down and shower before handling any mandatory media commitments. Once I’m done with that, I’ll either get a massage on-site or go back to my hotel and get some treatment from my physio. Depending on the time of day, I’ll then head out to dinner and prepare for the next day.
AM: How important is recovery to you after working out or after a match? What are the kinds of things that you do after these activities?
SS: Recovery is a critical piece of both the fitness and recovery process. Cooling down and taking the time to stretch and flush out muscles is really important for recovery and preparing for the next day and next match.
AM: Many of our readers are balancing hectic schedules – you got married at the top of the year to Jozy Altidore, an international soccer star – how do you make sure you give time to yourself, being with your husband and family?
SS: I make a lot of effort to have a very structured schedule and communicate my boundaries and commitments to my team. When it’s family time, it is family time and the phone is away. When it’s time to train, I’m training. When it’s time to work on my Foundation or on my outside businesses and investments, I’m fully there. I’ve also learned the things that bring me the most joy and fulfillment and prioritize those activities. When I’m home and able to spend time with my family, I take advantage of every single second of that time we’re together.
AM: In your sport, you spend a lot of time traveling 40+ weeks of the year! You kick off the season in Australia with the Australian Open. Also via your IG feed, you travel for fun – you’re South African trip looks amazing! How do you make your spaces feel like home when you’re traveling?
SS: I try to keep some consistent products and activities in my routine so that I can rely on those consistencies no matter where I am. A super easy way to do this is with bringing a candle from home - I find that having the same scent is really grounding and helps me feel in control of my environment.
AM: When it comes to choosing what hotel you like to stay at and to help our readers that may be planning their next trip, what are the things that you look for?
SS: For most tournaments, there is an official tournament hotel, so I just stay wherever I need to. In some cases, like in Paris and New York where there are endless options, we get to pick our own hotels. I love to stay at The Langham in New York and Hotel Vernet in Paris. I love when a hotel has a good breakfast, it’s just one less decision to make in the day. I also love great showers and friendly concierges.
AM: In terms of your suitcase, what are some of the important things that are must for you to pack so that you have your necessities as well as options for the unexpected?
SS: The most important thing in my suitcase is my passport. If I have my passport, I can pretty much figure everything else out as I go! Of course, I also need my tennis racquets to do my job! I travel with a lot of skin care products because I love the sense of calm and order that a consistent routine brings.
AM: What are some of your travel hacks that have proven to work for you that we should know?
SS: I cannot overstate the importance of hydrating during travel. The entire travel experience is really drying - the plane air is dry, hotels can be dry, the change in climates can be tough - it’s a lot. Hydrating inside and out helps your body adjust to new situations and new timezones and it is so simple to do. I think a lot of people are hit with a double-whammy when it comes to dehydration because they’re drinking a lot of caffeine to try and stay awake during travel or they might be having some alcoholic beverages while they’re away, and both of those things are also really dehydrating on the body, so it’s all the more important to hydrate.
AM: Do you have anything that you do before, during or after hopping on a flight whether it’s a beauty process, self-care, etc?
SS: I’ve started wearing WHOOP’s new Blue Light Glasses to avoid disrupting my circadian rhythms with too much screen time - it makes a huge difference when I’m trying to sleep the next night. I also try to get up and walk around on the plane to keep the blood flowing and prevent blood clots or feeling super stiff when I land.
AM: When you arrive in your designated city, whether it’s for work or fun, what are the things that you look for in terms of restaurants, activities and shopping that you want to explore?
SS: When I was first starting out on tour, I rarely ventured out. I stuck close to the hotel and always went back to the same restaurants. There are already so many variables at play when traveling for work and needing to compete, so I never wanted to risk an upset stomach or having any sort of issues. Now that I’ve been traveling to the same cities for 15+ years, I have a great mix of my tried and true staple spots but have also really enjoyed researching and trying new spots. I think being locked down during Covid made me appreciate the incredible opportunity I have to travel the world and made me look forward to getting back out and exploring.
AM: Do you have separate beauty routines for daytime versus night time?
SS: Yes! I wake up and drink a huge glass of water. I brush my teeth and then wash my face with a gentle cleanser like the iS Clinical Cleansing Complex. I sleep with various moisturizing layers, so I don’t want to take that all off and dry myself out again. I usually head right to practice or training, so I put Neutrogena sunscreen on my face and sometimes I’ll use the Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops under my sunscreen. I sweat pretty much every day and am always wearing sunscreen, so I like to do a body scrub in the shower at night to scrub that all away and feel like I’m going to bed super clean. For the record, I love piping hot showers, the hottest the dial will turn - boil me!! After I get out of the shower, I layer on the moisturizers - I start with a lotion and then will layer a body oil on top if I’m feeling extra ashy in certain spots. I go through the same routine every day and it helps my body and mind recognize that it is time to start unwinding and preparing for bed. None of the products I use at night have any energizing scents like eucalyptus or lemon verbena - it’s all fragrance free. If I want a relaxing scent, I’ll turn on a diffuser or light a candle. I always travel with diffusers or candles.
AM: How important is mental health and self-care to your training and state of being whether you’re working in your sport or just being out and about?
SS: There is an undeniable link between mental health and physical well-being. Both parts have to be working in harmony. Tennis as a sport inherently requires a lot of mental energy - it’s just you out there and everyone is looking at you, so I find that taking care of my mental health is just as important as how I take care of my body. It is encouraging to see this sort of discourse make its way into more mainstream conversations and I hope that more people are encouraged to find the practices, tools, and therapies that help them.
AM: Why does the wellness space mean so much to you and what can you tell us about your new brand that you are launching next year as we know you may not be able to say too much!
SS: The wellness space is so important to me as both an athlete and as a woman. I've always loved to try new products and am constantly in pursuit of the best ways to take care of my skin and body. I will be venturing into the wellness space myself next year, so stay tuned!
AM: We know how important The Sloane Stephens Foundation is to you. Are there new projects or initiatives that you are focused on that you would like to share?
SS: Thank you for asking! The Sloane Stephens Foundation is actually celebrating our 10 year anniversary in March 2023 - I cannot believe it’s been 10 years! I wanted to use tennis as the vehicle to keep kids in school, keep them healthy, and keep them physically safe. Tennis has given me so much in my life but I know that it can feel very unapproachable, especially to people from under-resourced communities who might not be able to afford the equipment or coaching, or to underrepresented communities where they might not see a lot of players that look like them. I sought out to change that. We work with over 15,000 kids each year across the Compton Unified School District and provide tennis, academic, mental health, and financial literacy programs. One of the things I’m most proud of us that almost all of our coaches are actually graduates of our programs who have decided to come on as staff members while they pursue their college degrees. It’s very much a big family and it feels very sustainable to have programs designed and implemented by the community and for the community.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | FRONT COVER + BACK COVER, PG 28 9DRIP Courtesy of Sloane Stephens | PG 16 - 19, 22 + PG 82 9PLAYLIST BNP Paribas Open | PG 21 John Cordes/Icon Sportswire | PG 25 Masha Maltsava | PG 26 Federico Pestellini/Panoramic/Icon Sportswire |
Read the DEC ISSUE #84 of Athleisure Mag and see SERVING UP SELF-CARE | Sloane Stephens in mag.
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9DRIP | SLOANE STEPHENS
9PLAYLIST | SLOANE STEPHENS
Read the DEC ISSUE #84 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Sloane Stephens in mag.
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63MIX ROUTIN3S | SLOANE STEPHENS
9LIST STORI3S | LEYLAH FERNANDEZ
9LIST STORI3S | JUSTIN THOMAS
9LIST STORI3S | LEYLAH FERNANDEZ, FELIX AUGER ALIASSIME, CARLOS ALCARAZ
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63MIX ROUTIN3S | AJLA TOMLJANOVIC
Read the MAY ISSUE #77 of Athleisure Mag and see 63MIX ROUTIN3S | Ajla Tomljanovic in mag.
DARE TO BE YOUR BEST WITH MILES CHAMLEY-WATSON
We're all about pushing boundaries and standing in our truth to showcase our authentic selves. So when we had the chance to sit down and chat with 2 X Team USA Olympic Foil Fencing Bronze Medalist, World Champion, model and ambassador, Miles Chamley-Watson. He talks to us about how he got in the sport of fencing, what made him realize that this was something that he could do professionally, how he has blazed his own path, and his focus on growing the sport by bringing it into the mainstream while also empowerning children to bring them into the sport.
We also talk about how he continues to create a multi-faceted brand that incorporates the sport, his interest in fashion and ambassadorships that are synergistic with his brand. We also talk about his latest partnership and documentary with Daring Foods, a plant-based brand. Miles also gives us insight on how he trains as an athlete each day.
ATHLEISURE MAG: How and when did you fall in love with fencing and when did you realize that you wanted to go pro and do this as a career?
MILES CHAMLEY-WATSON: I was born in London and was playing football, cricket and rugby. I moved to NY when I was 11 and I was kind of a pain in the butt kid and would get into trouble. So as punishment, I had to pickup tennis, fencing or badminton. I ended up picking up fencing and got it right way and I thought, “wait, I can stab people and not get into trouble? This is awesome!” So, when I was 12 years old, I fell in love with it and I never looked back!
AM: Wow! As a kid I played badminton.
MCW: Woah and that’s a hard one too!
AM: It is a hard one and I didn’t like it, but we played it at every function.
MCW: Oh yeah, it gets intense!
AM: It does. But we can appreciate that you took that on. You’re a 2X Olympic Champion, who won a Bronze medal and you’ve won various World Championships. Can you tell our readers who are not familiar with foil fencing, what it is, what’s involved and how you win?
MCW: The key is to hit the person and not have them hit you back. It sounds easy, but it’s first to 15 points and it’s 3, 3min periods. So that can be from anywhere from 10mins to 30 mins depending on your fencing style. I’m very defensive so my matches don’t go longer then say 15 mins or so. I’m a quick one, I have ADHD and I don’t have the patience. So I’m more aggressive. So it’s 15 points and then there’s right of way action so there are 2 lights and then there is a referee who will look at the video machine and see who hit the person a little bit earlier and my goal is to simplify the sport so that it’s easier for the audience to be able to understand. That’s why it’s one of the reasons why it’s not on TV because it’s kind of hard to understand. I want to bring more visibility to the sport by doing stuff like this and being able to simplify the rules a little bit.
AM: That’s really interesting. Back in 2018, we had Dagmara Wozniak as our cover for our AUG ISSUE #32 and we shot her editorial where she trains at Manhattan Fencing and when we saw the lanes and could visualize what takes place, we understood it more and it was so different then seeing it on TV. Being able to see the mechanics up close, it was intense to watch that.
MCW: Right and that is saber so in foil, it’s different.
AM: When we think of fencing, it’s a powerful and an elegant sport. What do you do physically and mentally to prepare for the sport?
MCW: I’m lucky that my sponsor has a facility right here in LA which I will be heading to in an hour. I get up in the morning and I do meditation and journaling in the morning as the first thing. I then go to the gym and I do fitness. Today is Wed and it will be explosive work: deadlifts, running and sprints and then after that, I will go into fencing. If I’m feeling up for it, I will go into sparring. Now I’m learning that everyone is good at doing certain things, but how do you get to the point of being the best and I think that that is the mental aspect. So that’s a lot of reaction training, journaling and manifesting and this is incorporated into my routine everyday as well. It’s a full-time job.
AM: How long would you say that you are doing these things daily in terms of blocks of time?
MCW: I’d say journaling is 30 mins, I have my cup of coffee or tea outside of my balcony, then I go to the gym which ends up being about 3 hours because cool down and warm-up is 45 mins and then to workout is about an hour and a half. Then I eat, come home, relax for an hour and do some work and meetings like this and then I go fencing for about 3-4 hours. All in all, I would say 6 – 7.5 hours.
AM: In terms of your nutrition how does this play into staying in shape, optimizing your sport and ultimately supporting your lifestyle in general?
MCW: There’s nothing more important than nutrition! At one time, I didn’t care about what I ate. It’s a whole game changer for me and I just got my blood test back and I have to load up on all of these things. I have to start drinking these random things like coconut water, eating the white part of watermelon – it’s really weird. But now, I’m noticing the importance of nutrition and how important it is and to know about your body and how it fuels you. So I try to keep a healthy diet.
AM: You’ve partnered with Daring Foods and have a pretty exciting documentary that is out now. Tell us about Daring Foods and how this partnership came about.
MCW: Yeah yeah – I’m so excited! I actually knew about Daring for awhile because I was trying to incorporate plant-based in my diet so that I could have a well balanced diet as well. I’m not just vegan or plant-based, I like to incorporate both. I love the product, it tastes good and the ingredients didn’t make my stomach rumble. Because nowadays, there are so many companies that have kind of saturated the industry and I got the chance to look up the company before and to meet Ross and the Daring team. It was a perfect match because they are disrupting a space that has been around for a number of years and I’m doing the same thing in my sport. It was literally the most organic relationships that has fostered this campaign and you can tell that this is powerful and we’re speaking to kind of just challenging ourselves and making Daring Moves and kind of pushing the boundaries and limits which is what I’m all about and what they’re all about. It was lovely to like the product before meeting them and then meeting them was the cherry on top and it’s been great and we’re all a family now!
AM: How was it participating in Daring Moves?
MCW: It was phenomenal! It was amazing! Molly Schiot who directed it, the entire team – they were so professional. It was one of the most creative and fulfilling projects and campaigns that I have done in a long time. It speaks to things that are bigger than just me. I think that it will inspire people and just the message of being daring, everyone in their walk of life is able to understand. In your job and in my job, it’s important and a great characteristic to have. It’s literally a match made in heaven.
AM: Will you be involved in anything else with Daring Foods that we should keep our eye out for?
MCW: I think that this is just the beginning, it’s a beautiful relationship and it was great to get this campaign out, but I think that we will do loads of things together because I love the products, I love the people and I love the messaging overall – it’s powerful. Definitely be on the lookout for more. It’s just the beginning.
AM: As an athlete, how do you find that balance between eating the foods that are good for you while also enjoying splurge foods as well?
MCW: That’s the best thing about having a healthy balance right and having a happy medium? I incorporate some of the vegan, non-dairy products. I eat dairy literally for lunch and then I incorporate having some meats here and there. My diet also allows me to have cheese. I love to eat and I also love to eat candy! I can never be fully vegan for that reason. I’m sorry, I’m never going to stop that! I think it’s important to have a balanced diet right and to be healthy? People ask me, “are you vegan?” I eat a very healthy and balanced diet. So, I incorporate meat with non-meat and I do what works for my body. I think that the most important part about creating that balance is the ability to have your cake and eat it too.
AM: In preparing to chat with you, it’s interesting to look at your background as an athlete, being an ambassador, modeling for fashion brands – how important is it for you to be able to push boundaries and to be able to represent yourself the way you want to be seen and to engage with these brands in all of these different ways?
MCW: I think doing work with different companies brings a new audience to me and also fulfills another passion of mine. I don’t want to be in a box. I’m a professional fencer yes, but I think that I have been able to branch out and get a lot of endorsements and sponsorships because I think that everything that I do, I do with love and I don’t work with brands that I don’t believe in. I’m a firm believer in not saturating your brand and doing things that you love. I’m able to kind of build my brand just being myself and organic and that's whats transferable. You can see people doing things and it's forced, but I like to keep it organic and natural. Just keep growing and do more modeling stuff and getting that audience. Getting mores sponsorships and doing these things. I’m in a very interesting sport that has the ability to change on my own, but working with companies like this helps to grow the sport organically.
AM: One of the things that's so intriguing is the fashion element of you. You’re a stylish guy, you have these tattoos, you’re at the Met Gala with Lewis Hamilton, you’re sitting front row at global Fashion Weeks, you’ve worked with Todd Snyder – what is it about fashion that you love so much as being in these different worlds and having the ability to include your creativity is a lot of fun.
MCW: I think you said it perfectly – creativity and fashion is the one world where you can wear whatever you want and it’s subjective. You may like it, you may not like it and I think that being able to do the fashion shows, it gives you a rush and a different kind of adrenaline. Fashion was kind of one of the first worlds to embrace me – they invited me to the Met Gala twice with Vogue and all of these companies and they love the sport of fencing because it does have that fashion element to it. A lot of brands do some of their collections based off of fencing. A lot of athletes like fashion and a lot of fashion likes athletes and I think that I am in a sport that is elegant and has that uppityness to it and I’m bringing a new face to it. I love fashion and I think that there is nothing better than putting a fresh outfit on and for me, that’s what I would like to bring to my fencing world too – a uniqueness and not being afraid to take risks. I think that I have always done that in the sports world and also in fashion just naturally.
AM: And you recently partnered with Richard Mille which is phenomenal – how did that come about and how excited are you about it?
MCW: I mean that’s a dream come true! It’s like woah you know? It’s a little surreal seeing my wrist, but I think it makes sense right? I’m all about timing and precision and changing the watch game. That’s what they’re all about and they love me and I love them like a family. I was able to meet the team and there’s this great relationship. When that happened, my phone exploded and it’s cool to be able to work with the companies that you love and you never think it’s possible and then you’re sitting there right next to Rafael Nadal! I mean to work with them, it shocked me a little bit and then I thought woah and then I’m working with a company like Daring too! I mean, what can’t you do? When you believe in yourself, there is nothing that you can’t do.
AM: You have a great mix of brands that you work with. How do you decide what makes sense to you as many of them like you said, are organic to you or are things that you are passionate about?
MCW: I think it comes to that if I have a feeling, I never second guess myself. I just go with the feeling. I also have a great team too and they know who I am, my values and I think that having a great team around you makes it a lot easier. I always go with my gut and I pick brands that align with me and just natural.
AM: It’s almost the end of the year. Are there projects that we should keep an eye out on are their championships that are coming up? What’s going on in Miles’ world?
MCW: I have a competition in Dec. next month – a national. Then we go to Paris in 2022. I have a lot of projects that are coming and in 2022 we have some amazing things dropping in 2022. I’m ending the year very strong and I’m just very grateful that I get to do what I love during a crazy time. Definitely be on the lookout as there are a lot of projects coming.
AM: Can you tell me about the Miles Chamley-Watson Foundation and what its focus is?
MCW: I want to empower the youth through fencing and I hated seeing the talents of kids being wasted because they couldn’t afford it as fencing is an expensive sport. So I thought, how do I help because I have the ability and I can use my connections to help the generation. I wanted to create the tools that kids needed to be successful in life whether it’s going to the Olympics or being the next John Doe. We want to give them the wings and the tools to succeed through my foundation. I have all the necessary elements as I know what it takes and I’m able to fly through the hole and make a success of it. I’m kind of the only one that has been able to branch out and make it in America. I thought that it was my duty to give back to the kids and that’s what we launched and it’s exciting and has also given me a sense of purpose and it’s awesome.
AM: You have a mantra of “create a legacy and not a moment,” what does this mean? Also, what do you want your legacy to be in the sport as well as the body of work in general?
MCW: Create a legacy not a moment, is something that I came up with in 2016 on the way to China at the Grand Prixe. I was on the train and someone had left a horoscope book and it was 18 hours so I was reading the damn thing and I thought that it made a lot of sense. I asked myself what my purpose was. I knew that I had won all these medals, but I wanted to create a legacy and not a moment. I wanted to create something that would last forever. That’s something that everyone wants whether it’s creating a kid, their first product or whatever that may be. I think that being the first is the best feeling.
I want my legacy to be someone that changes the sport, gives kids hope and also sticking up for the kids that are ADD/ADHD or whatever that got a negative stigma and I want to change it. I want to shed a light and just give kids hope that you can do whatever you want. I can win medals, that’s easy, but to inspire kids to do what they want to do in life that’s amazing. Kids see me in campaigns that I am doing with brands and that to me is my legacy.
IG @fencer
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDIT | PG 126 - 131 Daring Foods | PG 132 -137 Kyle McKenzie | 9DRIP PG 28 - 30 Richard Mille |
Read the NOV ISSUE #71 of Athleisure Mag and see Dare To Be Your Best with Miles Chamley-Watson in mag.
Hear 2X Team USA Olympic Foil Fencing Medalist, World Champion, Model and Ambassador, Miles Chamley-Watson on our show, #TRIBEGOALS - which is a part of Athleisure Studio, our multimedia companion podcast network! Subscribe to be notified when the episode drops. Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts or wherever you enjoy your podcasts.
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PHOTO COURTESY | Polo Ralph Lauren
WINTER OLYMPICS | POLO RALPH LAUREN UNVEILS TEAM USA'S OPENING + CLOSING CEREMONY OUTFITS
As the Summer Olympics in Tokyo ended a few months ago, we’re already 100 days out from the Winter Olympics in Beijing! With the postponed Olympics taking place this year, we don’t have the 2 year gap that we tend to have. The Opening Ceremonies will takes place on Feb 4th - 20th. With that said, Polo Ralph Lauren unveiled Team USA’s Opening and Closing Ceremony looks! As we head closer to the Winter Games, we’ll get to know more about who has qualified to play and until then, we can enjoy seeing more looks that we will see for those that are about to take the global stage!
You can learn more about the looks as well as buy pieces from this collection.
Read the latest issue of Athleisure Mag.
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9LIST STORI3S | ZION WRIGHT
LET IT FLOW WITH CORY JUNEAU
We love the fact that in many ways, the Olympics highlight athletes on a global stage so that you can know more about them and can continue to watch them throughout the year as they do a range of exhilarating and heroic competitions. The Summer Games in Tokyo introduced the debut of skateboarding with Team USA's Olympic Skateboarding Men's Park Team was comprised of Heimana Reynolds (our June cover), Zion Wright (this month's 9LIST STORI3S) and this month's cover, Cory Juneau who won the Bronze medal. These 3 represented the entire Park USA Skateboarding team!
We caught up with Cory to talk about his approach to the sport and how in addition to it being his job, it's a passion and something he truly enjoys! He talks about how the sport authentically creates a culture of positivity where they hype each other up. We also talk about his upcoming schedule which includes the Copenhagen Pro as well as the Venice International Film Festival with Golden Goose who he is sponsored by.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When was the moment that you fell in love with skateboarding?
CORY JUNEAU: Probably the first time that I got on my board. I saw my brother get a skateboard and he started skating and I kind of just got one right after and so that was it!
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to go pro and do it as a living?
CJ: That’s never really been a huge thought of mine! It’s just been about going out and having fun and skating with my friends, which has always been my motivator and I always just want to do whatever I can to be able to continue to skate for the rest of my life. I push myself to be able to do better and it’s not about being any type of typical thing that people would assume.
AM: How do you approach skating? Do you have a process when it comes to tricks that you want to incorporate into the runs that you want to do?
CJ: My process is kind of me getting there and just figuring it out when I’m skating and I want to be comfortable. I have been skating for awhile now and skating is 90% mental. If you’re confident and you know what you want to do, it will work out you know? I just like to take it slow.
AM: We love that you have a very chill and relaxed style!
CJ: Haha thank you, thank you!
AM: So what’s a day like with you when you’re practicing?
CJ: A typical day for me is pretty chill honestly! I kind of just wake up and see what the homies are doing and then make a plan to go skate somewhere – if it’s in the street or in the park or some spot. We’ll just figure it out at the time. We just kind of get a group together of all the homies and we just go, skate and vibe off of each other.
AM: When it comes to working out, what do you do that allows you to optimize you in your sport or do you simply skate?
CJ: I usually just skate, but I just started doing yoga and PT because I was battling an injury in Jan. So, I kind of got into a routine. So I have been doing yoga twice a week and PT twice a week for my ankle. My body is healthy, strong and flexible. I think its great to do this to just keep it that way and to prevent injuries.
AM: What’s a typical skateboarding season like for you? I know that pre-COVID it was probably different and now things may still be a bit different, but what’s a season like in terms of competitions and how many months out of the year are you doing this?
CJ: Honestly, the skate competition season is pretty hectic. There's a lot of travel and I'm probably gone 6-8 months out of the year normally. Like you said, it’s been pretty chill the last year and a half because of COVID, but before that, it was pretty hectic and I was always traveling, always doing stuff and trying to get there and to stay on top of it.
AM: Because you travel so much around the world, do you have a favorite series that you like to compete in?
CJ: My favorite series are the ones that are not so oriented around the contests, but it’s about having a good time. A lot of the skate events are set up on the beach and have that Venice type vibe. I’m a big fan of Australia, it’s one of my favorite places and it reminds me of home. I used to enjoy going out there a lot, but there hasn’t been a series out there for a few years! But I’m missing it and I’m itching to go back.
AM: When it’s game time for you, do you have a routine or series of things that you do before you go into a competition – are you doing extra yoga?
CJ: It’s pretty mellow honestly. I just like to get a visual of what I want to do and get my line down and then I like to get it all down in one run. I just want to make it happen, you know? Like I said before, skating is 90% mental. It’s just knowing that you can do it. I just like to stay relaxed because what’s going to happen is going to happen.
AM: It’s a great mindset to have!
CJ: Yeah! I think it works really well for me and it keeps me relaxed.
AM: Before we get into talking about you competing in the Olympics, just the idea that you were part of the inaugural group of people that had your sport on such a global stage – how big was it for you to be in that group and to also have your sport represented like that?
CJ: It was huge! It’s such a surreal feeling to having everybody around you being so supportive and having your back. For me, I didn’t realize how crazy it was going to be and how much backing there is. I mean, obviously, I have watched a few Olympic events, but it’s something you can’t take in until you’re there and you see it for yourself. To go out there to support my city, Southern California, California as a whole and the US is huge and super humbling. To go out there and do well, it was great!
AM: We were excited to watch skateboarding and to see the preliminaries as well as the finals! How did you feel winning the Bronze medal?
CJ: It was so surreal and honestly, it’s been 2 weeks and I’m still taking it in! Because, it’s been such a long build up, like such a long journey and road to just get there. I changed my diet, I started doing yoga, PT, I was battling an injury for 4 or 5 months and I’m just grateful that I was able to make it there and do well. Coming from the US, we have the largest skate scene in the world and the fact that I was able to make it there, I was blown away. I wasn’t so stressed about the results, I was just glad that I was there.
AM: Is there a difference between competing at the Olympics versus your other tournaments in terms of game play?
CJ: I don’t think that the judging is any different. What everyone is doing out there is so authentic and so original and themselves – you can only be judged against yourself.
AM: One of the things that struck us when we were watching especially in seeing the prelims and then the finals, as a community, to watch all of you hyping each other up – it was like a party that you wanted to be invited to. What is it about the skateboarding culture that creates this kind of camaraderie? What are you guys doing that fosters that feeling?
CJ: Yeah, the camaraderie between us is truly one of a kind! I think it’s just that we're all so passionate and we all love skateboarding so much and it’s so authentically ourselves. It’s not like anyone else out there is doing the exact same thing. So you get hyped up when someone does their run and does good. So we feed off that and we take that energy and we put it into our skating. It’s not like someone does a good run and it scares you! When you do it and love it, it’s a good session! You vibe off of that good energy in the air.
AM: Looking at the Summer Games in Paris 2024, do you anticipate adding that to your plans?
CJ: It’s something that I would like to do. It’s a few years away, but everything will come down again soon and when it starts up, I will definitely try to make the cut! I’d love to go back. The experience that I had was so surreal like I said and I’d love to go and do it again.
AM: What’s the next tournament that you’re going to be in?
CJ: Yeah, I’m actually leaving the 31st of this month to go to Copenhagen for the Copenhagen Pro. It’s not a serious competition but it’s where we can get together with tons of skaters who meet up and there’s spots all over the city where you can go from place to place to skate. It’s a lot of fun! I’ll be out there for a week and then I’m flying from there to Italy and I’m meeting up with a lot of the Golden Goose team as we have a little event out there that I’m excited for. It’s great to be able to start some traveling and to have some fun and to relax a little bit.
AM: How would you define your personal style? We heard that you like to collect gold chains – what do you look for when it comes to adding them into your assortment?
CJ: I wouldn’t say that it’s a collection, I would say that I have a style of chain that I wear and I lost a bunch ha! So when I lose them, I go find another one! My dad gave me his when I was a kid and then I lost it so I have always been attached to that style I guess. They don’t really make that style of chain anymore because it’s pretty fragile – when you bend it, it will break.
AM: How did the partnership between you and Golden Goose come together? You wore a custom style at the Olympics while you competed. What is it that you love about the brand and why did you partner with one another?
CJ: I’ve actually been a fan of Golden Goose for years. I love their sneaker brand and I used to ride for a couple of other shoe companies, but it was never the style that fit me the best. I just love the distressed and authentic look to them. There’s nothing like them and they’re good forever. They don’t get dirty in a way. My partnership came together all in good time! I spoke to my manager and asked him to reach out and we were in talks back and forth for about a year and a half and it’s been coming together for awhile.
It came down to timing. Skateboarding has a huge influence on the fashion community and now we’re getting a lot of recognition because of the Olympics and I think that these companies are putting more thought into it and seeing that they need to support this.
AM: It was interesting to hear that you designed the shoes that you got to compete in for the Olympics. There’s something about taking a brand that is known for their aesthetic and adding in elements that you like personally or that optimizes you for your sport. What was it like for you to do that?
CJ: Working with them has been super fun and everyone there is super family oriented. They are focused on making the best shoes that they can. They really care about it just like I do. It was great. I kind of pitched them ideas and they were cool with everything I had to say. I didn’t really design a new shoe, I recreated the Ball Star that they already had, for skateboarding.
We went through different materials and compounds for the rubber and suede on the side. We looked at the stitching so it wouldn’t rip and would be more durable for skateboarding. It was great and everyone there was so great to be with.
AM: Do you envision being able to do more with them whether it’s a collab line or something along those lines?
CJ: I hope so! I want to work on a collection with them! I always want to expand what I am doing to grow and this is the perfect place for me to do that. They obviously want to do that too which is really great. We’ll see what happens.
AM: Tell us about From Venice to Venice. You’ll be debuting this at the Venice Film Festival which sounds awesome and you will be performing. So what is the film and how excited are you to be part of this?
CJ: It’s huge and I’m super excited. From Venice to Venice is like a 3 part series that we’ve done where a lot of Golden Goose’s style is taken from Venice’s, Southern California style, vibes and community. They get a lot of inspiration from there. I’m from San Diego, but Venice has a huge impact on all of us. This is like a 3 video series that has an in the life kind of vibe from Venice, California, then on the road to the Olympics and then the final one in Venice, Italy. So it should be fun. I’m excited for everything that they have going on out there. It will be a video on it, but stay tuned!
AM: When you’re not skateboarding, are there additional sports that we would find you doing?
CJ: Yeah – I enjoy everything with my friends! We go out and play basketball, soccer, we go to the beach, we play some pool – you name it! We’re all just a hands on friend group. Whenever we’re doing something, we’re just having fun with it.
AM: How do you take time for yourself?
CJ: Skateboarding is my job, but it’s also what I love! I never think that I’m waking up going to work, I’m waking up doing what I want. We all need some me time. It’s all free time for me! Me talking with you right now was all that was on my list to do today.
AM: What do you want your legacy to be in terms of your impact on the sport?
CJ: That’s a great question and I’ve never thought about that. I’ve just gone out and had fun. I want people to know that when you’re going out, you need to make sure that you’re having fun. You need to take it one step at a time! The community of skateboarding is so small and there is so much love in it. You go to the park and you just start talking to people because everyone wants to mingle and talk to one another and support one another. It allows you to go to the park and to just try something. They’re rooting you on. It’s tough because it can be hard on your body and on your mind when you’re trying over and over again. But you just have to get back up, be patient and try again. But make sure you are enjoying it and everything will come.
AM: We always like to ask our trailblazers, people who are killing it who others look up to – who are 3 people whether you know them or don’t that have inspired you to be where you are today?
CJ: I grew up watching all of the Rocky movies and I know they’re not real – but I’m a fan of Rocky! Mike Tyson, Kobe Bryant - I have had a lot of influences from people that push hard and are determined. That’s what motivates me – people who push hard enough to get what they want.
IG @CoryJuneau
PHOTOGRAPHY | Andrew James Peters
Read the AUG ISSUE #68 of Athleisure Mag and see Let it Flow with Cory Juneau in mag.
Featured
PACE YOURSELF WITH MEB KEFLEZIGHI
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
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9PLAYLIST | STEELE JOHNSON
Read the JUN ISSUE #66 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Steele Johnson in mag.
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A WILD RIDE WITH HEIMANA REYNOLDS
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.
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9LIST ROUTIN3S | LAURIE HERNANDEZ
9LIST STORI3S | DAVID BOUDIA
IN BALANCE WITH LAURIE HERNANDEZ
We fell in love with Laurie Hernandez's personality and energy when she competed in her inaugural debut at the Summer Games 2016 in Rio! She showcased her skill and commitment to the sport of gymnastics with the Final Five and left with a team gold medal and a silver as an individual.
We wanted to know what she has been up to since we last saw her on the global stage, how she maintained her training during the pandemic as well as a number of projects she has taken on - including, winning ABC's Dancing with the Stars in season 23 with her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy. We're also looking forward to seeing her in Golden, a docuseries on Peacock that takes us behind the scenes on what it takes to make the Team USA Women's Olympic Gymnastic team as she prepares for the Summer Games in Tokyo.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with gymnastics and what was the moment that you realized that you wanted to go professional?
LAURIE HERNANDEZ: I fell in love with the sport when I was watching it on TV as a little girl. The gymnasts were such an amazing mix of power and grace that I looked at my mom and told her “I want to do that!” and not long afterwards my parents started me in gymnastics.
AM: What is a normal day or week like for you when you’re in training mode and do you have go to movements that you enjoy incorporating into your fitness routine?
LH: I practice Monday-Friday around 5 hours a day and Saturdays for about 3 hours. I also have physical therapy twice a week to help with any aches and pains. Before training I use Hyperice tools like a Hypervolt gun to help with warming up my muscles and at home Normatec leg compression for recovery.
AM: Did you always feel that the Olympics would be part of your journey as an athlete and what does it mean to you to represent the nation on such a global stage?
LH: It was always a dream to go to the Olympics but of course when I first started I had no idea where it was going to lead.
AM: In terms of the sport of gymnastics, we’re familiar with the activities that take place; however, do each of you have your specialties that you take on and if so, what are yours and why do you gravitate to them?
LH: Absolutely! Every gymnast has their own strengths that they bring to the sport and that’s what makes it so fun to watch. I love to perform and get the crowd involved so floor exercise is one of my favorites!
AM: At the Summer Games in Rio in 2016, you received a gold medal as the Final Five team and silver individually for beam. What was it like to be there for your first Olympics and competing with your team?
LH: It was such an honor to represent the USA and I will never forget the feeling of standing on the podium, listening to the National Anthem with USA on our uniform. What hit me even more once I got home was the impact it had on the young Latinx generation. I had parents come up to me and tell them that their child had started gymnastics because they saw me at the Olympics and I looked like them which gave them the confidence to start the sport. That has really stuck with me and something I will forever cherish.
AM: Last year at this time, the Olympics was in limbo although it seemed like it would be postponed. We have talked with a number of athletes about how they had to modify their workouts as they didn’t have access to their normal facilities. Did you find yourself doing workouts that were modified (ie Ryan Murphy was pushing a car up his hill, April Ross created a gym in her home, Steele Johnson was walking on his hands in his backyard) in order to get in a good workout and to stay on track?
LH: Of course. I was doing stretches and yoga in my home to keep up my flexibility, going through routines mentally, running in my neighborhood, etc.
AM: You just competed at the Winter Cup earlier this year which you choreographed and was Hamilton inspired – what was that like and what are your personal goals as you anticipate a second appearance at the Summer Games?
LH: I loved being back out on the competition floor and had so much fun with my new floor routine! I did go back and do a few small choreography edits so stay tuned for my next competition. One of my biggest goals this whole journey is to comeback for myself and to have fun with the sport.
AM: Tell us about Golden. I know that LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s Uninterrupted are creating this docuseries that includes you and additional gymnast Olympic hopefuls to obtain the remaining 4 spots. What can we expect from this show, do you know when it’s available on Peacock and why did you want to participate?
LH: It will focus on the day-to-day repetition it takes to become an elite athlete in our sport and a behind the scenes look at the ins and outs of our daily lives. I love all the girls that are participating alongside me and some are my close friends, so it made it a fun project!
AM: The Road to Tokyo has a number of events to qualify for being on the team. What’s your schedule look like right now and what competitions should we keep an eye out for?
LH: My next upcoming competition is the U.S. Classics on May 22nd.
AM: Part of the fun of the Olympic Games in addition to the actual competition, is being able to navigate the city outside of the Olympic Village. As we’re all emerging from lockdowns, have you been given a sense of what being at the Summer Games will be like outside of when you’re training and competing?
LH: We have not been given any specifics, but I know that without family and friends in the stands it will feel a bit different than previous Games.
AM: After a successful debut at the Olympics, you took some time off and won ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, published 2 books and were the inaugural host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior Junior – why was it important for you to take the time off to take on these projects?
LH: It was super important for me to take time off and find out who I was and what I liked outside of gymnastics. Something my mom always told me was you are Laurie who just so happens to do gymnastics, there is much more to you than just one thing. Finding my love for dancing, acting, and hosting was very rewarding and also helped me realize I still loved the sport too.
AM: How important is it for you to balance your competitive nature while also embracing positive mental health and fueling your creative side?
LH: Extremely important. Mental Health awareness is something I am very passionate about sharing and embrace fully. This was actually another reason partnering with Little Words Project was a great fit. Spreading kindness and self-love is huge and I hope others benefit from wearing some of my favorite words and affirmations.
AM: We know that you love poetry and are a fan of words. Tell me about Little Words Project. Why did you want to collaborate with them with your collection of bracelets and how excited are you that it is available at Nordstrom?
LH: Words have always had a big impact on me and Little Words Project was the perfect partner to share my affirmations with others. I loved creating the sayings/words on each bracelet and am so excited to see others showing kindness to themselves and others by wearing them.
PHOTOS COURTESY | Laurie Hernandez
Read the May Issue #65 of Athleisure Mag and see In Balance with Laurie Hernandez in mag.
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