PHOTO CREDIT | Red Bull Content Pool/Ryan Miller | Red Bull Content Pool/Zak Noyle
9PLAYLIST MULTI | CARISSA MOORE
PHOTO CREDIT | Red Bull Content Pool/Zak Noyle
Read the JAN ISSUE #109 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST MULTI Carissa Moore in mag.
IN THE AIR | HAILEY LANGLAND
The 24th X Games Aspen 2025 takes place Jan 23rd - 25th for its 24th year. These games will take place in Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen Snowmass where the world's best action sports athletes competing in ski and snowboard events. These days present men’s and women’s ski and snowboard competitions in the disciplines of Superpipe, Slopestyle, Big Air, Knuckle Huck and the debut of medaled event Street Style.
We're excited to see a number of our favorite X Games and Olympic medalists which have included Chloe Kim, Mia Brookes, Ayumu Hirano, Scotty James and local hometown heroes Red Gerard and Alex Ferreira.
There will also be performances by EDM artists deadmau5 (who appeared at the games in 2016), Big Gigantic, Aspen Tessla, Daily Bread and ILLENIUM.
We sat down with 2X Olympic Team USA Snowboarding and 3X X Games medalist, Hailey Langland who will be a snowboarding analyst at the X Games. We spoke with her to talk about her career, passion for the sport, and the upcoming games.
ATHLEISURE MAG: You grew up in Southern California and clearly, you're an amazing snowboarder, but you were also a beach loving girl that has a love for surfing, skateboarding, soccer, mountain biking and more! What do you love about playing sports and having that ability to play a number of them?
HAILEY LANGLAND: I have to owe a lot of credit to my parents. My dad was always trying to get my little brother and I outside to find a passion and an outlet from the rest of the world. We were well versed when it came to sports. I find that it’s helped round me into the athlete I am today. Snowboarding is my first love, but I always try to make time for other passions like surfing and biking in the summer.
AM: What is it about snowboarding that you love?
HL: I definitely fell in love with snow boarding because of my dad. I could see how excited he was to share his passion with me, and I enjoyed chasing him down the mountain. One of my favorite days was learning how to ride goofy, and my dad and I rode switch for the entire day. He always made it fun, and reminded me to keep it fun.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a professional snowboarder?
HL: I’ve always known I was meant to snowboard my whole life. But I don’t think I even thought about being a professional until I went to my first “pro” competition in Mammoth when I was 14. It was a contest that had competitors from the Sochi Olympics and girls I watched in X-Games in it. I ended up winning the event, and I remember standing on the podium besides Anna Gasser and Enni Rukajarvi. I thought, oh my goodness, maybe I can be like the girls I watch on tv. After that event I got wildcard spots to Dew Tour, X Games, and Burton US Open; all contests I watched religiously growing up. That really jumpstarted my career and made it a reality.
AM: As a surfer and snowboarder, what are the synergies between these sports?
HL: Surfing is super hard, which makes me appreciate snowboarding so much. There’s a lot more thoughtfulness to surfing that I think a lot of people realize. Surfing not only requires good athletic abilities, but also the ability of wave knowledge and reading the ocean. But I love watching videos of surfers like Coco Ho, Stephanie Gilmore or Caity Simmers, who have tons of style, and thats something I try to bring to my snowboarding. I find the best cross over from surfing and snowboarding is when you’re riding powder, and it feels just like surfing on a wave, weaving back and forth just trying to make it look good.
AM: You have had 7 Games appearances and are a 3X X Games medalist and have earned a Bronze, Silver, and Gold medal in Slopestyle and a Gold in Big Air. Can you tell us what Slopestyle and Big Air is?
HL: Slopestyle is an event I specialize in. It’s where you ride the given features of the course; such as: jumps, rails, and transition features like a halfpipe wall. Big Air is a smaller version of slopestyle based on one jump. Usually, the jump is bigger than in a slopestyle, and the criteria is to spin or flip as much as you can, and land the trick, as well as make it look good. My favorite event is slopestyle because it is what I grew up doing.
AM: In 2017, you were the first woman to land a Cab double cork 1080 in competition at X Games Aspen! What did it mean to you to achieve this and tell us about what a Cab Double Cork is?
HL: It’s pretty crazy to look back on that time. I was just a kid, and had no idea what I was doing in that contest. I did the Cab 1080 on accident in practice and just thought, alright guess I’ll try that in the contest. Luckily for me it worked out, and I was able to land it second try. I wish I still had that ability to adapt and try things like I could when I was 16. To help visualize, a Cab 1080 is when you ride switch into a jump, for me that is goofy stance, and you would spin to the right three full rotations.
AM: You're known for your ability to push the boundaries of progression on jumps, distinctive style with solid grabs as well as difficult ones! You have received a number of awards including FIS World Cup with 5 career podiums (3 in Slopestyle and 2 in Big Air), you competed in the 2018 Winter Olympics in Big Air and in Slopestyle and again at the 2022 Winter Olympics, and more. What does it mean to you when you look at your career and all the things that you have experienced?
HL: It makes me really proud, looking back and seeing what I have accomplished, through all the ups and downs. I will always be grateful for snowboarding. It has been the reason I have gotten to travel so much of the world, and have met so many amazing people within the industry.
AM: This year, you are making your debut at the X Games on the broadcast team as a Women's Snowboard Analyst! Why are you excited to be part of this team and what are you looking forward to?
HL: In November I had ACL reconstruction on my right knee, so I will be out for this season unfortunately. I’m excited to stay involved, even if it doesn’t mean I can ride. It will be cool to see X Games from a different perspective, and to see what it looks like to be another part of such an important contest.
AM: How are you preparing to be on the broadcast team?
HL: I’m going with the ‘on the fly’ approach. Luckily, I’ve known Craig and Brando for years at this point now, so hopefully it will just feel like watching a competition with friends.
AM: Do you have any upcoming competitions that you are preparing for?
HL: Since I had ACL surgery at the end of November, I most likely won’t be snowboarding for the next year. So as of now my preparation is mostly physical therapy for my knee, and getting the rest of my body back in shape.
AM: At Athleisure Mag, we love knowing about how people stay in shape and as you are very active, what is an average week of workouts like for you?
HL: It depends. In the summer, it is very much go, go, go. I am lucky to live somewhere I can surf, or bike, play tennis, and golf all pretty much in my neighborhood. In the winter, snowboarding is primarily all I do. It can be an every day thing if the weather is good, but sometimes there are competitions we go to that get completely canceled because of the weather. On days off, I love getting in a core workout, and trying to get steps in. Any movement you can get in the winter is a big win.
AM: When you're taking time for yourself, what do you enjoy doing when you're not in between projects?
HL: I actually started crocheting a few years ago. I love making beanies for friends and family, and lately I’ve been getting into making bags which has been really fun. I’m pretty crafty and I usually always find a way to keep myself busy.
AM: We also know that you're dating fellow snowboarder, Red Gerard Team USA Olympic Slopestyle Gold Medalist, 2X X Games Medalist, 2X Dew Tour 1st place - to name a few. It must be fun to be able to share your love of snowboarding and surfing together. Do you have any upcoming trips that you are excited about?
HL: Red is my best friend. He’s so fun to be around, and he always pushes me to be better person and snowboarder. Since being injured, it’s been really hard to watch him pack up for a snowboard trip, and for the first time in our relationship, I don’t get to come along. It’s been another motivator for me to do whatever I can to get better, because I miss being around him, and taking laps together at our favorite resort. I think at the end of the winter we’ll try to go on a trip somewhere warm with waves.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 46 - 48 X Games Aspen Trevor Brown Jr. | Red Bull Content Pool PG 51 Lorenz Richard, PG 52 Dom Daher + PG 57 Christian Pondella | 9LIST STORI3S PG 54 X Games Aspen/Mark Kohlman/ESPN + PG 54 X Games/Joshua Duplechian |
Read the DEC ISSUE #108 of Athleisure Mag and see IN THE AIR | Hailey Langland in mag.
9LIST STORI3S | HAILEY LANGLAND
HER RING OF TRUTH | SARAYA
As avid readers know, that have enjoyed reading our issues have included a number of wrestlers who performed in the WWE in their career. Saraya, who was known as Paige when she was with the WWE was one of our favorites that we enjoyed seeing in the ring as well as seeing her on E! Total Divas where we got to know more about her between each ring experience as well as how she connected with her fellow Superstars.
Even after leaving the WWE, Saraya continues to embrace her passion for wrestling as it is a family business. We wanted to know more about how she came into the industry, what it's like when she is going into the ring and out of it, currently wrestling with AEW, and upcoming projects that she is involved in!
ATHLEISURE MAG: It's amazing that your family runs the World Association of Wrestling promotion, your mom owns and operates the Bellatrix Female Warriors, and your brothers wrestle as well. What led to you eventually participating in the sport as originally it wasn't something that you, thought that you would do.
SARAYA: I’ve been surrounded by wrestling my whole life. I’ve often made the joke that I have been wrestling since I was a fetus. My mum was pregnant with me and didn’t realize and was having matches with me all snuggled up in her womb haha. I’ve always loved it, but I was stubborn and tried to fight it since my whole family was in it. I tried to rebel into a different field instead. But one day my dad was one woman short in a match, she had not turned up, so he asked if I could fill in and I already knew a few moves since I grew up in the business. I said to my dad “Yes, but my brother has to wrestle in the match too so I’m comfortable.” So my brother dressed in a pink Power Ranger outfit. He threw on a padded bra, I did the match and the rest is history!
AM: We know that you come from a wrestling family, but when did you fall in love with wrestling?
S: When I was 13. Once I had that match, I knew there was nothing that would make me feel the way the adrenaline of wrestling made me feel.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to do it as a career?
S: Also when I was 13. My dreams of becoming a vet or a zoologist quickly left my brain after that first match. (Thanks dad).
AM: I remember when I saw you on the E! show Total Divas where we got to follow you along with other WWE Superstars to see about your life in the ring and outside of it! What did it mean to you to be part of the WWE and to share your life on the E! show as well?
S: WWE was always my dream. I always, from the very beginning, wanted to be a WWE Diva. They were so beautiful yet so bloody badass!! That was so inspiring for a little girl like me.
I never thought I would get in, though. I looked very different to the women back then but that didn’t mean I was gonna give up trying. When I finally got signed my life changed forever. I remember Triple H coming up to me on the side of the stage and saying “welcome aboard” and shook my hand. Then a hell of a rollercoaster ride started.
I loved being asked to be a part of Total Divas. I was younger and a little more wild so it was good TV and the producers always make sure you have a drink in your hand haha, but I had a lot of fun with the girls and got to bond extra with them because not only were we on the road every week of the year but during our days off we would be filming together. It made for great lifelong relationships and memories!
AM: While at the WWE you had a number of accomplishments from being the youngest female champion in WWE history, a 2X WWE Divas Champion, and the inaugural NXT Women's Champion as well as being the only woman to hold both a WWE and NXT Women's Championship simultaneously. When you look back at your time there, what are you most proud of?
S: All of that!! Haha those would be my most proud moments. I would say my merch numbers too. I got my first merch tee, which said “Think Again” on it and it sold out quickly. I believe that gave me leverage to get on the main roster because they were like… “Hang on this girl that isn’t on Raw or Smackdown is selling numbers like that??”
I’m always proud that I remained myself. The weird little pale emo kid, that helped me big time with the fans I believe.
AM: You currently wrestle for AEW and you were the AEW Women's World Champion! How has your time at the AEW been and what does it mean to have acquired a title there too?
S: Being at AEW has been a lot of fun. I love love love the women’s locker room. They’re all so supportive of one another and everyone gets along so well. Being in another larger company at first was hard. Even though my contract had come to an end, I had some guilt like I betrayed WWE, but I didn’t do anything wrong! Haha. Then being out of wrestling for so long made it difficult to adjust to the newer fan base. They can get pretty toxic these days and I remember thinking, “Did I make a mistake coming back?” But AEW has treated me so wonderfully and I’ve loved my time here so far. And to win the Woman’s Championship on top of all that?? Incredible. I never thought I would wrestle again so I cried when Tony Khan told me haha.
AM: What are some upcoming matches that you can share with us that we can keep an eye out for?
S: I’ve actually been taking a short break the end of this year. Just for other projects and to take care of my mental health a bit. I never give myself time off, so it was much needed. But I will say to look out for someone else and that’s Harley Cameron! She’s the full package and an all-around amazing person!!
AM: We know that as a wrestler, you spend a lot of time on the road. What is an average week like for you in terms of travel, training, resting your body etc.?
S: WWE days were more hectic with live events. But these days with AEW, for me personally, they have given me a more relaxed schedule. Which I appreciate. I fly Tuesdays, work Wednesday and fly home Thursdays and will have the odd PPV at the weekend. I try to eat as good as possible and I should be in the gym more than I am if I’m being honest haha.
AM: Before you go into the ring, do you have any routines that you do to prepare for your fight and are there things that you do when you come out of it?
S: I pee lol and go into a corner and relax for a second. I get very, very nervous beforehand and need that time alone. When I come back out from the match, I hug whoever I wrestled and thank them, shake my producer and Tony Khan’s hand and then go to the locker room and just sit for a second.
AM: Outside of the ring, you're a board member for the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Why is this so important to you?
S: It’s important because abuse is not just physical. It’s financial, mental, and verbal too. If I can use my platform to save someone’s life, I will absolutely do so.
Domestic Violence is extremely common and being part of something like that and also knowing so many women and men who’ve gone through something like that is heartbreaking. I’ll always use my platform for good.
AM: You shared your story in Fighting with My Family and you have a memoir that is coming out, Hell In Boots: Clawing My Way Through Nine Lives. Why did you want to share your story and what does the memoir cover that we may not know about from the film?
S: Well my movie was the PG version haha. I want people to know exactly what I’ve been through since birth to now and hopefully be inspired. It’s not for the faint of heart though.
IG @saraya
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 67, 9PLAYLIST PG 72 + 9DRIP PG 74 Shaun Vadella | PG 68 + 9DRIP PG 74 + 76 Phil Chester |
Read the NOV ISSUE #107 of Athleisure Mag and see HER RING OF TRUTH | Saraya in mag.
9DRIP | SARAYA
9PLAYLIST | SARAYA
Read the NOV ISSUE #107 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST | Saraya in mag.
YOUR NEXT HOMEGATE | CHEF EDDIE JACKSON
This time of year, we're enjoying the changing of the leaves, the crisp air, adding a few fun layers, and getting in all the football games possibly from college to pro! Whomever you're cheering for, it's an opportunity to gather with family, friends, and colleagues throughout the week whether you're tailgating or homegating!
We headed over to Chef Eddie Jackson, NFL veteran and host of Food Network shows' Outchef'd and Christmas Cookie Challenge to talk about how we can take our entertaining to the next level when our teams are hitting the field, how we can make it easy on ourselves, his football picks, and of course his upcoming show for the holiday season!
ATHLEISURE MAG: So what was the first dish that made you fall in love with food?
CHEF EDDIE JACKSON: Ooo, so I grew up in a family of chefs. My grandmothers on either sides were chefs. Yeah, and I just remember making biscuits in my grandmother's kitchen when I was like four or five years old.
AM: Well, you know, being an NFL Alum, we know that, you know, a thing or two about playing the game, we know you're watching it and of course what foods pair well with it. You know, whether we're tailgating or at the stadium or we're homegating, how can we make the perfect pairings for our next football game?
CHEF EJ: Well, first off football season is my favorite time of the year. For one, I love football, but two - it's all about tailgating and homegating. I made a cookbook that's all about homegating recipes, right? And so, I love giving people tips to show them how they can homegate tailgate, like a pro. And in this instance, I've teamed up and partnered up with Bota Box wine to create these delicious pairings, with some recipes. But then also, picking and choosing some of the wines that they have to go with different flavors that I created with the wings that I made for them.
AM: I mean, that's amazing and I love a good wing! I actually have a wing recipe coming out next year in a cookbook.
CHEF EJ: Hold on! You just have a wing recipe?
AM: So it's a compilation. So we've been doing different cookbook recipes where it's always been a number of other chefs that have also participated and this is our third one. I made a very tasty recipe that will be out next year! It’s a very zippy Mezcal Chimichurri wing!
CHEF EJ: Ooo, I see you Kimmie!
AM: I know right? I mean, I know you love a good chicken wing so how can we take our wings to the next level Chef Eddie style?
CHEF EJ: Alright! So I have a few things that I that I've created so the thing about homegating and tailgating is that you want to find different flavor upgrades, but you want to keep things simple, right?
AM: Exactly.
CHEF EJ: So I have some brawts that I've uh braised in some white wine. I have this Bota Box Pinot Grigio that we braise the brats in to kind of cut through some of the fattiness that brats can have. Another upgrade that you can do is like I have a slider recipe, right? So, sliders are simple. Everybody knows how to make a slider. So what we're going to do, is we're going to upgrade it and make a spicy ketchup. And in this instance, I'm making a jerk ketchup.
AM: Oh wow, okay!
CHEF EJ: I lived in Miami for a while and so I kind of fell in love with those jerk spices and jerk flavors. So we're gonna add that to some sliders to upgrade it. And then we get to the the piece de resistance, right? So we have some wings! I have a whole chapter in my book about wings!
Don't do, takeout, you can make wings! Wings are super easy! You can make your own different sauces and you can control the pairings, you can control the spice and smoky levels to the wings. So I have this wing recipe that's a little bit, smoky a little bit spicy and that's great to pair with something like this Bota Box Revolution, which is a red blend. It's going to cut through some of the greasiness that these wings have, right?
AM: Right.
And why did you want to, you know, partner up with Bota Box?
CHEF EJ: Well, first off. I love the brand. I have boxes of this at my house that they sent me. I thought, ok, this is delicious! Not only that, but I think that Bota Box brand is perfect for tailgating, right? So, no cork screw, it’s easily portable and it has a handle right on top, but not only that in this 3L box, you have 4 bottles of wine. Now, you look like the type of person that loves a little wine right? 4 bottles of wine in one box!
That’s perfect for tailgating, if I don't say something myself. But then it's just a great brand and it’s eco-friendly all these things. I think that, you know, the thing about tailgating is that you want one-handers. So you get you one of these 500ml - you got that in one hand. You got a brawt in the other hand. You know you’re just going back and forth. Take a little sip. Take a little bite of the bratwurst.
AM: Yup.
CHEF EJ: Perfect for a tailgate and overall, it's just a great company that I fell in love with once I did my research on it. I tasted some of the wines and felt that I could get behind the product and it's been a beautiful pairing. See what I did there?
AM: I caught what you did there! I Love the pairing.
CHEF EJ: It’s been a beautiful pairing ever since.
AM: So what tips do you have for people who are hosting? A lot of times we're so into creating that tailgate or that homegate that maybe we get lost in the kitchen as opposed to watching the game and hanging out with our friends. So what can we do to prep ourselves a little better?
CHEF EJ: So just like on the football field, it's all about preparation and execution. Like I said before, you want to focus on the food and the drink. So you want to keep it simple. So all of my recipes are really simple but I have these really good tricks and things to upgrade it so that you're not spending a lot of time. But then not only that, you take this Bota Box, it's already made for you. We're not spending time making the drinks. All you have to do is just twist it off and pour it. You don't have to worry about a corkscrew. So it's more time that you get to spend watching the game, hanging out with your friends and keeping it simple!
AM: Keeping it simple is always good! So we are in the thick of the football season right now. Who are you cheering for? Who do you predict is going to the Super Bowl?
CHEF EJ: You know, I keep getting this question over and over. I'm a huge football fan, right? My favorite team is the 49ers but we're not looking too good right now. We kind of had an up and down season so far just because of injuries, but this season has been very unique because it's so many teams that are good - that has have never been good.
AM: 100%
CHEF EJ: Detroit Lions are really good. In the last couple of years, I’m like, where did they come from? They've been terrible for so long! So now all of a sudden, they’re really good! So I think that the Detroit Lions have a great chance of making it to the Super Bowl. Baltimore Ravens have a great chance to make it to the Super Bowl. Of course, the Kansas City Chiefs. You also have Buffalo. The Buffalo Bills are really good! Let's not forget about the Vikings and how good they're doing right now. So, it's just so many teams that are just killing it, this season. I mean, I'm really excited because, you know, it's kind of like, in basketball you get tired of seeing the Golden State Warriors every year.
I want to see a new team this year kind of shine and so, that's why I'm excited about this season.
AM: Well, we just came off of covering the Food Network NYC Wine Food Festival over the past four days. So it's been a hectic few days. It’s always great seeing you on Outchef’d or the Christmas Cookie Challenge. Are there any upcoming programs that we should be keeping an eye out for from you?
CHEF EJ: Yeah, so actually the Christmas Cookie Challenge is going to start up in a in a couple weeks now because believe it or not, we are getting into the holiday season. I can't believe that!
AM: I know right, this is the season!
CHEF EJ: I know! I also saw in a shopping strip that they had Christmas lights out a couple of days ago!
AM: I saw a Christmas commercial last night and heard Christmas music and I'm like, wait that's too soon! You at least have to wait until Halloween is over!
CHEF EJ: So that'll be coming out in a couple of weeks and, you know it’s the holiday time once Christmas Cookie Challenge comes on! We’re going into our 8th season. So once that starts to play that's when I know it's it's the holiday time!
AM: Are there other projects you have going on outside of TV that you would like for us to know about?
CHEF EJ: I mean, I stay busy. I have two young kids. I'm always busy. I woke up in the middle of the night and I was like, you know what? I'm ready to write my second cookbook.
AM: Alright now!
CHEF EJ: I'm gonna start working on my second cookbook and maybe Homegate Like a Pro 2.0, you know what I mean?
AM: For sure!
CHEF EJ: So maybe I will have a whole section in there with wine pairings. I don’t know.
AM: Nice, we’re here for the elevation!
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | PG 55 Food Network/Christmas Cookie Challenge | PG 56 Outchef'd | PG 58 Bota Box |
Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see YOUR NEXT HOMEGATE | Chef Eddie Jackson in mag,
FOOTBALL + FILM | TAYE DIGGS
After coming off of a full summer which is filled with food, events, and friends, the Fall continues our ability to enjoy staying outside and thankfully with Football season, it gives us a lot of reasons to enjoy games in the stadium, tailgating outside of it, and even having events in our homes. We caught up with actor Taye Diggs (How Stella Got Her Groove Back, The Best Man franchise, All-American) to talk about what he loves about football season, how he enjoys taking in this season's games, his partnership with Lysol and upcoming projects that we'll want to keep an eye out for!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you wanted to be an actor?
TAYE DIGGS: When I saw my mother on stage, she went from being my mother into this other person that I didn't know in front of all these people watching her. I was so taken aback and impressed, scared, curious. That was all it took.
AM: We're in the midst of football season - from watching game day with friends whether that’s at the game or elsewhere, tailgating, and just having good vibes. What do you love about football season?
TD: I like going over to a pal's house and watching the game and eating various sundry snacks. I like it a lot better now because I don't have to worry about germs as much because I use Lysol® Air Sanitizer. I used to be one of those people that would just glare at people that used to cough - people don't like to be around that. So I don't have to worry as much and I can enjoy the game and the company without worrying about getting sick. I don't like getting colds and it's that simple.
AM: What are your go-to watch party must-haves when you're watching the game and who are you cheering for?
TD: No specific team, I’m with my son and we like players. That's what the young people are into these days, I don't know that I agree with it, but it's not worth the argument with my son. So when we watch the players, I make sure that the fridge is stocked and that nobody gets too out of hand. I don't like when fights break out. So people know not to bring that mess into my house.
Lysol Air Sanitizer is another must-have for me during watch parties. It actually sanitizes the air - so I use it before people come over to get my space ready and after they leave to sanitize after all that cheering!
AM: You partnered with Lysol Air Sanitizer - why did you want to work with them and how important is it to have whether at a watch party or the stadium?
TD: Football season is one of my favorite times of year, especially hosting game-day watch parties at-home. But I learned through my partnership with Lysol that cheering for your team can result in viruses and bacteria expelled in the air – shouting can produce up to 100,000 droplets per minute (Source)! That’s why Lysol Air Sanitizer is my game day must-have. It kills 99.9% of airborne viruses and bacteria† to eliminate odors in the air*, so you can protect your home while cheering on your favorite team all season long!
AM: In All American, you played coach Billy Baker, a high school football coach. What did you love about playing this role and how did you look at football after doing this?
TD: I thought I knew a little bit about football before that role and realized that I knew nothing about football. I gained a ridiculous amount of respect for professional athletes because we were exposed to so many and the intelligence that these athletes have that people assume they don't. Which is really, really cool. Getting to understand something that you thought you knew. Being able to yell at all these young people, that's a situation where pretending was really, really fun because that is so far from who I am as a person. Which is one of the reasons why I took the role and it was so much fun because in this career, a lot of times you play characters that are kind of close to you and this one wasn't, and I really had a great time.
AM: You're always working on a number of amazing projects. The first film I remember seeing you in was How Stella Got Her Groove Back and I know that you are working on another project from Terry McMillan, Forever on Lifetime. What do you love about her work? Tell me about Forever.
TD: They're great stories and that's where all of this begins. If you don't have this story, for me, you don't have anything. That's where my interest begins. I've had experiences with her, so it was a no brainer. What was interesting about this film was I got to kind of chronicle how far I've come from How Stella Got Her Groove Back and that was kind of cool. I'm a different actor, the way I approach a role, all of that was different, and I noticed it. So that was cool.
AM: Do you have any other upcoming projects that you would like to share that we should keep an eye out for?
TD: I'm a judge on this new show coming out called Second Chance Stage where it gives performers that had a dream and put their dream by the wayside another chance to pursue this dream. It's very eye opening, it's very emotional. These folks are terribly talented and we were put in the positions to give them more opportunities and it was kind of life altering.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 32 Joey Andrew | PG 34 Second Chance Stage/Magnolia Network | PG 36 - 38/Taye Diggs Social
Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see FOOTBALL + FILM | Taye Diggs in mag.
DOUBLING DOWN ON THE TRACK | TAI WOFFINDEN
We love when worlds collide and this month's cover does just that. Tai Woffinden is a 5x Speedway World Champion and an open format DJ/Producer. We wanted to know more about Speedway racing and how he got into the sport, how he stays in shape for it, his passion for music, and why he became a DJ.
Since signing onto Armada Music, he released Body, a collaboration with Grammy nominated Gabry Ponte and vocalist Yasmin Jane. This was followed up by Feeling Super Naughty with CERES which just dropped recently. With all of this movement, we took some time find out more and to see what we should keep an eye out for.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We're excited to be able to talk with you as your background as an athlete as well as a DJ and a producer is such a great mix! When did you fall in love with being a Speedway Rider?
TAI WOFFINDEN: I first got into Speedway way way back in 2002. I went to my Dad’s mate’s house to ride on their private track and there was a speedway bike tucked away in the corner. I said to my dad at 12 years old, “I wanna try that” so we sold my MX gear and went all in from that day on.
AM: You are a 3X World Champion in this sport. What do you love about racing?
TW: It’s hard to explain but there is a feeling when you’re railing the fence on a nice little dirt line as fast as the bike will go and you’re on the complete limit of what you’re able to do on these bikes and you either make it around the corner or bury it into the wall. There is no better feeling in the world (not that I have found yet anyway) and I chase that feeling every time I race.
AM: Can you tell us about Speedway racing from what the bike is like and what races are like?
TW: They’re a one-of-a-kind motorcycle, built to only go left, 500cc, methanol-burning bulls with no breaks!
The races are super short and fast averaging about 1min per heat (4 laps). In a Grand Prix, we do 5 heats and the top eight go to the semi-finals and the 1st and 2nd place from each semi qualify for the final. It’s a wild sport! In Poland it’s huge in Warsaw we race in front of 55,000 inside the national stadium.
AM: To optimize yourself as a racer, what kinds of workouts do you do to stay in shape and meet the goals you need to be a champion rider?
TW: I won’t bore you with this too much but 5 days a week strength work, 6 days a week running or cycling, and a good nutritional plan to get through the workload and recovery.
AM: Your season is over this year. Are there any races that you are preparing for in 2025?
TW: Yes, it’s all done now so full focus on 2025 prep. Next year I will race most weekends in Poland, most Mondays and Thursdays in the UK, and some in races in Sweden on Tuesdays. Plus, four qualification rounds for the Grand Prix and possibly the European championship.
AM: What was the first song that you heard that made you fall in love with music?
TW: I can’t remember exactly, but it would have been something my mum had on in the car when I was a kid. My first hook on EDM specifically would have to be the Old EDM. Specifically it would have to be the Old Skitz Mix CDs back in the day.
AM: What led to you becoming a DJ and a producer?
TW: I went to watch Fisher headline his own show in Perth, Western Australia, and as Fisher was a surfer before he became a DJ, I was just watching him thinking well if he can do that, so can I. So, the week after I started my DJ course with Lab Six.
AM: How would you describe the Tai Woffinden sound?
TW: It’s been varied as I navigate and find my sound, I started out with some Tech House, but I’m a Techno guy so I want to focus on that Mainstage vibe after my first release on Armada Music with Gabry Ponte. But, my current track with CERES and my next single are still slightly different in sound so I’ll continue to play around with it all and see where it takes me.
AM: What would you say are the similarities between racing in front of large crowds and being able to DJ in front of them?
TW: For now, the biggest crowd I’ve played to as a DJ has been 12,000 people at Forestland Festival. It’s hard to say if it’s the same level of intensity as when I race, but from my history, the bigger the crowd, and the more pressure, is exactly where I thrive.
AM: How do you get inspiration for your music?
TW: Same as most people I would guess. Hearing a track I like that sparks an idea, or an individual sound. In the world that we live in today with everything at our fingertips it shouldn’t take too long to be inspired by something.
AM: Tell us about Body and what it was like to collaborate with Gabry Ponte and vocalist Yasmin Jane?
TW: So my A&R at Armada sent over the vocals, I then made a little demo and we sent it to Gabry’s team to shoot our shot. Four days later he said he loved it and wanted to work on it and a week later got it back, we were all stoked with his influence on the production! From my side, one, it was huge to have my first release secured with Armada, and for that track to then be a collaborative with Gabry Ponte was just amazing!
AM: Feeling Super Naughty is your latest with CERES - what is the meaning behind this song?
TW: Again, I heard the vocals and just immediately thought there was something about it. The track was a bit more Techno originally, but I was listening to some track at that time from Indira Paganotto and starting to play with that sound myself so that’s how it came to the final song you hear now. I’m super happy with it. I guess the track is just about having a great time!
AM: You were at ADE this month - what was that like?
TW: ADE was wild…it was my first one and I really made the most of it. I met some great people, made lots of new connections, and did a lot of partying. I already can’t wait until next year and hopefully I can get a few DJ sets locked in as well.
AM: You will be at You&Me Fest, a multi-day NYE fest in Australia. How excited are you to be performing there?
TW: Yes, I am! I’m super grateful that Bailey and Isaac called me up! I’m in Australia all summer and I’m ready to build my presence in this part of the world so why not kick things off there with the local boys. They’re killing it over here in West Australia, I mean you only have to look at this year’s huge line-up to see!
AM: Who are 3 people that are on your bucket list that you would like to work with?
TW: Timmy Trumpet would be one. We have chatted about a track and getting him on one of my race bikes which would be wild!
Also Maddix for sure. I love his sound. Finally, Will Sparks, I'm just a fan of Will. I met him in Newcastle UK this year and we chatted for ages backstage. He is a great guy and a beast at what he does. I also love his DJ performances. Anyway, enough fanboying haha!
AM: Do you have any upcoming festivals or tours that we should know about?
TW: Not right now. I’m in the studio and You&Me is my next big one. However, I have an important meeting coming up which I hope brings big opportunities and parties into 2025.
AM: You do a lot of traveling. What are 3 things that you like to have with you when you're on the road?
TW: I'm a simple man! As long as I have my passport, phone and USB, I can do everything I want…
AM: Whether you're racing or hitting the stage, are there routines you do?
TW: Maybe this comes as a surprise, but I have no routines, pre or post events. I literally just live in the moment and enjoy whatever is surrounding me, be it the stage or the racetrack, I soak it all up and enjoy the process.
AM: Are there any upcoming projects that you would like to share?
TW: I have one track that’s just come back from clearance, and I think could be my biggest yet but can’t say much right now. I plan to host my own event again in the UK next year. I threw a one-off this summer and we sold 12,000 tickets in just 11 days and it was fully sold-out which was insane.
My full focus now is on getting ready for the 2025 season ahead.
IG @twoffinden
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Front/Back Cover + PG 16 - 21 Tai Woffiden| PG 22 Tai Woffiden Press |
Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see DOUBLING DOWN ON THE TRACK | Tai Woffinden in mag.
9CH3F ROUTIN3S | CHEF EDDIE JACKSON
Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see 9CH3FS ROUTIN3S | Chef Eddie Jackson in mag.
63MIX ROUTIN3S | TAI WOFFINDEN
63MIX ROUTIN3S | SYDNEY LEROUX
COURT TO WELLNESS | SLOANE STEPHENS
Over the years, we have always enjoyed when we have connected with 2017 US Open Grand Slam winner Sloane Stephens. Most recently, she was our DEC ISSUE #84 2022 cover. We always enjoy catching up with her about her sport, new projects, as well as her philanthropic focus.
We had the pleasure to catch up with Sloane and this time we caught up with her to find out what she has been up to since we last talked with her! We were also excited to hear about her new wellness beauty brand, Doc & Glo that she launched during the US Open this summer! We also talked with her about her partnership with Athletes for Good which is a joint initiative between P&G, the IOC and the IPC that recognizes the efforts of athletes to improve their communities off the field of play, while also giving their best every day on their journey to their ultimate performance at Paris 2024. P&G awarded 20 Athletes for Good grants of $24,000 each to support causes championed by recipient athletes.
Sloane founded the Sloane Stephens Foundation in 2013, helping children from disadvantaged backgrounds dream big, both on and off the tennis court, by offering year-round tennis, education, mental health and financial literacy programs. The foundation uses tennis and education to change the narrative of poverty, health inequity, and educational development. With programs up and running in the Compton Unified School District – reaching 15,000 children in the area so far, the Slone Stephens Foundation will use the Athletes for Good grant to continue to grow the community.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We always love when we get the chance to catch up with you as we have enjoyed previous inbooks as well as a cover with you! You have had a busy year, what does your schedule look like for the remainder of this season in terms of upcoming matches?
SLOANE STEPHENS: I’m currently in Asia for the final tournament swing of the year. After this, I’ll head home for my off-season to spend time with my family before beginning my pre-season training block and playing in some exhibition matches.
AM: Are there any routines that you do before a match to get ready to play that you feel that you need to do?
SS: I always make sure to have a well balanced meal – usually chicken and rice with some type of veggie. It really depends on the time of my match but I prefer being the first match of the day so I don’t have much down time beforehand.
AM: Are there any routines that you do once you have completed a match to come down from all of the energy that you had to exert?
SS: Yes! I always get a massage and try to do some sort of self care whether it be a mask or just lighting a candle and relaxing.
AM: We always love following along your social media to see what you are up to and it's fun to see campaigns you're part of, your collaborations, and travels. Last month, you launched Doc & Glo which is amazing! Tell us about why you wanted to launch this brand as well as the meaning behind the name?
SS: I’ve always loved self care and this was always something I wanted to do. It’s a really exciting passion project for me! Seeing it all come together has been so special. The brand is named after my grandparents - Doc & Glo. My grandfather was an OBGYN – they called him doc, and my grandmother Gloria was a fabulous woman who taught me so much about self care starting at a young age.
AM: You launched 2 products - tell us about them and why did you want to start with them? Do you envision tackling other areas that will be available at Doc & Glo?
SS: We plan to launch more items in the body care space! Stay tuned!
AM: What has it been like in terms of coming up with this brand, doing all the R&D behind it, and finally releasing it for us to enjoy?
SS: It has truly been a labor of love! I’ve been working on Doc & Glo for 4 years so to finally see it out in the world is an amazing feeling. This brand was made from scratch – custom formulations, custom packaging, and months and months of testing. I’ve learned so much during this process and I can’t stress enough that entrepreneurship is not for the weak!
AM: How is your Sloane Stephens Foundation going and are there any upcoming projects that are going on that we should know about?
SS: Everything is going really well! 2025 marks our 10th year of programming in Compton and our programs are stronger than ever. We’re also expanding more meaningfully into South Florida, which is very special to me.
AM: How did you and the Sloane Stephens Foundation connect with Athletes for Good?
SS: I'm incredibly proud to be a member of Team USA. They've provided so much support throughout my career, including a scholarship for my MBA degree. I saw this funding opportunity for P&G’s Athletes for Good in an email and immediately wanted to apply on behalf of the Sloane Stephens Foundation.
AM: What did it mean to you to be awarded the grant?
SS: It means so much to be recognized for the work of the Sloane Stephens Foundation and to stand alongside so many other hard working athletes who give back to their communities across the country. When I started SSF in 2013, I sought out to create opportunities for youth to have tennis change their life. I believe in the power of grassroots sports and want all kids to have an amazing first interaction with whichever sport they choose. I appreciate the support of P&G in making these dreams come true.
AM: Are there projects or initiatives that you will be able to grow or incorporate in your plans because of the grant?
SS: This grant funding supported our summer camp in Compton, which just wrapped up after an amazing 8 weeks. We're constantly looking to improve and add new elements to our summer camp to give our kids the best possible experience. This summer, we were able to incorporate group sessions with our social worker as well as art therapy led by our social workers every Friday.
AM: Are there any other projects you have going on that you would like to share with us that we can keep an eye out for?
SS: We’re preparing to launch our next 2 Doc & Glo SKUs this winter and I’m really excited for everyone to experience them! I want to take over the home and away body care routine.
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY | Sloane Stephens
Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see COURT TO WELLNESS | Sloane Stephens in mag.
9DRIP STORI3S | J.D. MARTINEZ
OMG SEASON | J.D. MARTINEZ
It was great to spend some time with NY Mets’ DH Slugger, J.D. Martinez to talk about his playing with the Mets; his nickname 'Flaco;' his go-to workout exercises; his music taste and the OMG team hit anthem; and more.
As a player with asthma, he also highlighted how important it is to consider having a vaccine for Pneumococcal Pneumonia, especially with certain risk factors, such as having asthma.
This conversation was brought to us by Pfizer, who informs that Pneumococcal Pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease. Symptoms can hit without warning and take you out for weeks, possibly even landing people in the hospital. You are at higher risk being age 65 years or higher, or 19 and older with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes, and more, according to Pfizer. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if pneumococcal vaccination is right for you.
Visit https://www.KnowPneumonia.com/ to learn more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Your nickname is Flaco how did you get that nickname?
J.D. MARTINEZ: My hitting coach when I was in Little League growing up, he was my mentor, Paul Casanova. I was super skinny, and he just started calling me Flaco. That was my nickname. He'd call me Flaco. It's one of those things, through Miami. It was like my code word almost, where like you'd call me Flaco, you knew I hit with Cassie, and I worked with Cassie. (Editor's Note: Paul Casanova's teammates also called him 'Cazzie')
AM: You were diagnosed with Asthma posing challenges way back in Little League, what risks does having Asthma play in sports and what can people do about it?
JDM: Asthma was a big part of my childhood. I remember being in Little League, and I think I was maybe 3 year old when I was diagnosed with it, and being in Little League and trying to play baseball with asthma and constantly being in and out of the hospital, like once a week with my mom and my dad. Throughout my whole career it's just been managing it, and finding ways to manage it, like with medicines and stuff. That's why I'm here today and partnered with Pfizer to help spread the word about Pneumococcal Pneumonia, and how having asthma puts me at over 5x higher risk for the disease, compared to healthy adults age 18-64. So, I got vaccinated to help protect myself and I recommend that everyone with asthma to talk to your pharmacist or your doctor or go to KnowPneumonia.com. It's very important for me. I just know so many kids that should know this stuff playing with asthma.
AM: When working out, what are 3 go-to exercises for you?
JDM: For me, it's turning my hips on, doing a whole hip circuit - a routine that kind of loosens up my hips and strengthens them at the same time. Then from there, I really turn on my core and stabilize my trunk. Then I like to do legs, because they are my weakest part of my body, so for me, I feel so much strength, when my legs are strong, so I like to do legs as much as I can.
AM: What music do you listen to energizing for the game? This whole OMG song really took off!!
JDM: For me, it's kind of whatever is hot at the time. I know sometimes we're in the clubhouse and Winker's putting on some rap, and if we're riding with that, we're riding with that - and feeling like you're Eminem I guess, and you're having fun with it. And for me, EDM, like House Music, with a lot of beats, that's what gets me going. That's kind of what me and Mark Vientos listen to in the gym when we're warming up and activating. And then obviously you got Oh My God, OMG, our victory song, you know, and the whole Iggy thing that happened. (Editor's Note: Met's teammate José Iglesias is also a Latin Pop music artist who performs under the name Candelita). It was hilarious. It was just funny how that whole thing came about..
AM: Sure, well you said you had to hear it first - and then you were like Wow it's good right --
JDM: Yeah I was in Triple-A, and all of a sudden Iggy was like, "I got to show you this song, I got to show you this song." I was kind of making fun of him, I was like, "what are you like Marc Anthony now," because he was being represented by Marc Anthony for some time now, coming up with all of these songs. And he was like, "you got to hear this song," and then he played it for me in the speaker, and he was like, "I think this one is going to be the one that really blows up, like really helps me." I said, "dude, this is really good, I kind of like this! If you get called up to play for the Mets, we're playing this, so you gotta send it to me..' He wanted to play it for the walk up song, and so when he got called up I got it played on the speaker for everyone, kind of in honor of Iggy coming up. And the team was in a fragile state at that point, we weren't playing very well, and we kind of all jumped on board and it became our team anthem I would say. We made it a joke that every time we hit a home run we would play it.. so then they did it, and it kind of caught all of the fans off guard.
AM: We also see you like Reggae music a lot?
JDM: I also love reggae when I'm on my boat!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 52, 56 - 63 + 9DRIP STORI3S PG 60 - 63 NY Mets | PG 54 - 55 Pfizer |
Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see OMG SEASON | J.D. Martinez in mag.
63MIX ROUTIN3S | GRANT HOLLOWAY
9LIST STORI3S | NASTIA LIUKIN
CITI TASTE OF TENNIS 2024
Aug. is always a fun month especially this year with the Summer Games at Paris 2024 giving us all the stories, cheers, and memories on a global stage and then we're able to continue onto US Open - the final Grand Slam of the year that takes place in Queens at Arthur Ashe Stadium. There are a number of events that kick off this tennis tournament and one of our favorites that we enjoy attending each year is Citi Taste of Tennis which took place at Gotham Hall this year. This event combines tennis players that are currently playing as well as veterans, a number of culinary and spirit brands, as well as competitions that take place between the sports and hospitality community. Avid readers got to know more about this event in terms of why it was created, what is involved, and more. You can read this in our JUL ISSUE #103 where we chatted with Penny Lerner of AYS.
We enjoyed seeing Qinwen Zheng (Team China Olympic G1) and Taylor Fritz (Team USA Olympic B1) making dishes with Executive Chef Cedric Tovar of The Palace Lotte Hotel on the main stage with Andre Agassi judging the cooking demo.
In between the action on the stage, we enjoyed tasting a number of dishes from an array of restaurants that included Carmine's Famous Homemade Meatballs from Chef Glenn Rolnick who was a sponsor at the event. We also stopped by Chef Luke Omarzu of Wolfgang Puck's CUT New York's USDA Prime Striploin Sirloin served with Summer Corn Salad, Salsa Verde, Sweet Corn, Cherry Tomatoes, Haricot Vert, Charred Pearl Onions & Parsley Allergens - Onion, Garlic, Anchovy & Dairy. There were a number of savory dishes and sweets that allowed our tastebuds to enjoy the night. In addition, there were siganture cocktails that flowed throughout the event! A true medley of sports meets culinary journeys.
Prior to the start of the event, we had the opportuity to talk with Andre Agassi who is known as the first man to complete both the Career Grand Slam (winning all 4 major titles over the course of a career) and Career Golden Slam (winning all 4 major titles and the Olympic Gold medal over the course of a career). He also has a Career Super Slam (which includes all four major titles, Olympic Gold and the Tour Finals (ATP Tour) over the course of a career).
He has won Grand Slams for the Australian Open 4X, French Open 1X, Wimbledon 1X, US Open 1X, Tour Finals 1X, and he won an Olympic Gold Medal as well. We wanted to know what he thought about this event as he kicked off the first one, what he is looking forward to at this year's US Open, and of course chatting pickleball!
ATHLEISURE MAG: What do you love about being part of this event as we know that you were involved in the inaugural one and have continued to participate over the years!
ANDRE AGASSI: Well, I love being able to be part of something that has grown into what this event has ultimately become! I love what it is does. I love the inspiration of what is behind it. I was here the first year so I mean, it’s crazy! So it’s cool to come back now a handful of years later and to see what it has turned into!
AM: Who are you excited to watch this year at the US Open?
AA: You know, I have been saying that we have 5 Americans now that are basically the top 20 of the world! I’d love to see one of them kind of have a breakthrough. I am a little biased but there is something really cool about having someone from America doing it here for this Grand Slam at the US Open. As it would be for someone in France to do it at Paris for the French Open. England was the same thing! One of the biggest things ever was when Andy Murray (won W 2X, UO 1) did it there! Of course when an Aussie does it in Australia that’s amazing too! I’d love to see an American break through!
AM: We got to see you play Pickleball earlier this year at Lifetime which was amazing!
AA: Oh yes!
AM: How is pickleball going. Any charity tournaments that you will do?
AA: Oh no, I’m not competing anymore!
AM: Simply for fun – not competing; however, you were pretty fierce out there even when it was just for fun!
AA: I know, I know it’s the way that I’m wired when it comes to getting out on the court! I haven’t quite yet decided whether I will enter a tournament, that was part of another part of my life.
IG @agassi
It's always amazing to chat with one of the greats who continues to support the sport while also engaging in new ones such as Pickleball in his case.
We also had the pleasure to talk with Prakash Amritraj who is a former pro tennis player who is the host of Tennis Channel Live at the US Open which kicked off on Aug 26th and will run most mornings of the 2 week competition. The show is a mix of news, highlights, and special reports. It's a great way to stay on the pulse of what is happening.
Prakash was also the host of Citi Taste of Tennis and he kept the energy going throughout the culinary and sport event. We took some time to chat with him about tennis, the event, US Open, and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you first fall in love with tennis?
PRAKASH AMRITRAJ: I was 9½ - years-old in the summer of 1993. I used to travel with my dad at the senior-tour events. I found myself in the No. 1 locker room between Pete Sampras (winner of Australian Open 2X, Wimbledon 7X, US Open 5X, Tour Finals 5X) and Boris Becker (winner of Australian Open 2X, Wimbledon 3X, US Open 1X), and I said this is what I want to do.
AM: What did you enjoy about playing professionally?
PA: Several things: a. the comradery of my fellow athletes going into battle and being able to share that experience; b. the highs and lows of competition; c. overall, the incredible amount of adrenaline, electricity and inspiration that I’ve only found in sports.
AM: You've been Tennis Channel's year-round host of Prakash Worldwide. Can you tell us about these interview segments?
PA: I love it because at our desk I get to treat it more as a talk-show format instead of an on-court interview. I believe that because I’ve been in these players’ shoes we’re able to maintain a state of trust on the show. It allows them to showcase their personalities and what they bring to the game, and we have a lot of diamonds out there playing tennis right now. This ultimately helps to bring more people to our beautiful sport.
AM: We always love this time of year as we get ready to watch our favorites at the US Open. We'll be at Citi Taste of Tennis covering this event which is always a fun way for us to enjoy this time of year. You are the host this year. What are you excited about in terms of this event and what are you looking forward to?
PA: Hosting that event is as high-level as it gets in sports. I get to talk with Hall of Famer Andre Agassi and Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the same evening. It combines both of my worlds: tennis and entertainment/film and, again, it helps us to grow this sport.
AM: With the tournament kicking off on Aug 26th and running through Sep 8th, we'll be able to hear your commentary. What is it like preparing to be part of Tennis Channel Live at the US Open?
PA: I probably shouldn’t say this, but none of it ever feels like work with TC. I watch US Open tennis and then the next morning we talk about it. There’s a lot of research that goes into every show, but I like to call my approach, “prepared unprepared.” We have a game plan going in but the more we can just have a conversation, the better it is.
AM: What are you looking forward to this year in terms of Tennis Channel Live at the US Open as well as the action on the court?
PA: I always try to find the non-sports elements to the storylines that unfold at these tournaments. There are so many life lessons from all these great players and matches, and there are things that happen at the US Open and other events or even in other sports that you can apply to all aspects of people’s lives. I’m looking forward to unearthing those during the US Open.
We enjoyed chatting with Prakash to get his insights about what is taking place this time of year and we're sure that he will share a lot of great memories that take place during this Grand Slam.
In the tennis world there are a number of personalities that we enjoy seeing and one that is also our favorite are tennis personalities that we see as the tour rolls on. We all enjoy seeing Frances Tiafoe and can't wait to see him during the US Open. Typically, when he is on the court, his girlfriend Ayan Broomfield, who is also a tennis player is also nearby serving looks, being parts of campaigns and this year, she was rocking the Citi Taste of Tennis blue carpet interviewing athletes about the US Open. As we have been fans of hers for years, we wanted to take a moment to find out how she stays on this schedule, maintaining her beauty routines, and why she loves this time of year as well!
ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed following you on IG and enjoy seeing your style, campaigns, and when you’re traveling with Frances Tiafoe as well! As we’re all here for Citi Taste of Tennis, we’d love to chat with you!
AYAN BROOMFIELD: Yeah of course!
AM: What do you love about this time of year?
AB: Oh my gosh, I was just telling my friend that this time of year it’s like our Met Gala! We get to come here and do the events, I get to watch Frances and I get to be around tennis at one of the best tournaments of the year and then we have NYFW! So, it’s just a month straight of tennis and fashion and those are 2 of my favorite things!
AM: Love that!
You’re style is always so on point and your skin is also flawless.
AB: I try my best!
AM: You are everywhere! What are your travel go-to’s that you love having with you since you are always on the go?
AB: Right? No, I mean, when I first started traveling a lot, I realized that every country has different products and you want to make sure especially as an African American woman that you have things that work for you and you don’t want to rely on any type of store in a different country. So when I leave, I make sure that I have my specific skincare routine, that I have my specific haircare routine, and to make sure that I have all of my trinkets, extensions and whatever I need to make sure I have what I need as I am gone for months at a time. I just want to make sure that I have everything that I need and of course clothes. I pack a lot!
AM: Of course you do!
For self-care, what do you do with that? If you’re just looking at your IG we see you all over the world and of course all of that travel seems so luxurious and exotic; however, we know that just navigating that can be a lot.
AB: The traveling is a lot! It becomes a little bit stressful when you don’t have a routine so I want to make sure that anytime I get into a new country, I am always working out, I am always walking and running, and eating as best as I can! It keeps you healthy and it keeps your mental sane. That’s just kind of where I like to be!
PHOTOS COURTESY | PG 165 - 169, 176 + 177 Citi Taste of Tennis/Getty Images | PG 170 - 175 Paul Farkas
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see CITI TASTE OF TENNIS 2024 in mag.
FIGHT & SMILE | NATALIA GROSSMAN
At the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games, Climbing made it's Olympic debut and it returned at Paris 2024. We caught up with Natalia Grossman who competed in her first Olympic Games with Team USA in this sport! We wanted to know more about the sport, her specialty of Bouldering, how her career has been going as she went pro in 2019, where she enjoys climbing around the world, what it means to be an Olympian and to be in the Olympic Village. We also wanted to know about what self-care means to her as well as to partner with Olay.
ATHLEISURE MAG: What is your first memory of climbing?
NATALIA GROSSMAN: I think that my first memory is just walking into the climbing gym and I still remember it pretty vividly. Just, being in awe of how tall the walls looked and all of the bright colors. I was just very drawn to it.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to climb professionally?
NG: Probably pretty late in life honestly. It’s pretty hard to be a professional climber. I feel like there is just a handful of us in the US who make a living off of it. So I’m very grateful to be able to do that. It probably didn’t occur until my first success in 2021 on the World Cup scene that I realized that this could be my job.
AM: How does one train to become a climber professionally?
NG: It’s just like any other sport! You have to dedicate a lot of time, commit to it, and be dedicated. I wouldn’t say that it is anything crazy! Climbing is the best way to be a climber!
AM: We have had the pleasure of talking to an array of athletes across various sports. So when we talk to those that swim, fence, or surf they have a specialty that they do like swimmers who only do backstroke. Is there a specialty in climbing that you do and can you tell us more about that?
NG: So we have 3 different disciplines in climbing. I partake in 2 of them. I’d say that I am best in Boudlering so that’s my specialty, but there are 100s of moves within Boudlering. I’d like to think that I am a pretty well rounded climber, but Bouldering is definitely my favorite discipline. (Editor’s Note: Climbing consists of Speed, Bouldering, and Lead. Speed Climbing is one of form of indoor rock climbing where athletes compete for the fastest time to the top of the climbing wall. Bouldering Climbing is a form of free climbing that is performed on small rock formations of artificial rock walls without the use of ropes or harness. Lead Climbing involves attempting to climb as high as an athlete can on a wall measuring more than 15m in height within 6 mins.)
AM: Climbing is obviously a total body workout for training. But is there anything else that you do besides climbing to optimize you in the sport?
NG: Honestly, not too much. We do off the wall weight training, lots of PT stuff, rehab, maintenance like body work and massage work. We do dry needling (Editor’s Note: A treatment that uses thin needles to stimulate and break up muscle tissue knots to help with pain and movement issues), ice baths, and saunas.
AM: You have climbed all over the world! Do you have 3 favorite spots that you like to climb?
NG: I guess with climbing, there is outdoor climbing, but there is also indoor competitions. Or sometimes competitions that are outside, but they are on an artificial wall. I’d say that my favorite place to climb on real rocks is Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado, and my 2 favorite spots that I like to climb that are indoors is Innsbruck, Austria is the Kletterzentrum Innsbruck which is the largest gym in the world! It’s awesome and has 60,000 square feet of climbing surface. Another place would probably be Arco, Italy. I have lots of memories there and I love the little town there.
AM: When you realized that you would be going to Paris for Team USA, what did that mean to you?
NG: Yeah, I qualified back in Nov. and it was just such a special moment to have all of the work that I have done to pay off. It has been such a goal of mine to be here.
AM: Are you staying in the Olympic Village and if so, have you met any athletes that are on your bucket list or have you tried the Chocolate Muffins that everyone is raving about?
NG: I am staying in The Village and I have met a couple of other athletes as I have tried not to fan girl too much! I was pretty siked to meet Noah Lyles (Team USA Track & Field G1, B2) and that was pretty cool. Yes, I have had the muffins every day and I guess this would be day 5!
AM: In 2021, you became the World Champion which had not been done by an American climber in 20 years, and you did this very early on in your pro career which is quite an accomplishment. Your mantra is Smile and Fight. What does that mean to you?
NG: I mean, 2021 was kind of crazy! I feel like it kind of came out of nowhere and to me, just smiling and fighting through every moment, through every competition, kind of became my trademark and it’s just something that my coach came up with and I always want to enjoy what I am doing. So if I am enjoying it, I am going to smile and I always want to give my best effort so I will keep fighting!
AM: What the next tournament or competition that we should keep an eye out for?
NG: I’ll be competing next most likely in the IFSC Climbing World Cup Prague 2024 which is in late Sept. as well as the IFSC World Cup Seoul 2024 which is in early Oct.
AM: You have partnered with Olay which is the Official Facial Cleanser of Team USA, why is this partnership important and synergistic to you?
NG: I think that skincare and coming up with a routine is very important and I am someone that thrives off of routine and I love routine! So being able to use the cleansing melts, the moisturizers as an everyday routine that I can do when I travel or when I am home, it gives me that sense of consistency.
AM: We feel that when we do our beauty routines, it’s a great way to start and end our day in terms of self-care. What does self-care mean to you and why is it so important?
NG: I think that self-care can mean lots of things and physically being able to do the things that make you feel good and takes care of your body, but also it’s about taking care of your mind. You need to feel your emotions and have people that you can talk to and not hiding what you’re really feeling.
AM: Your biggest tool is your hands we’re sure. Are there specific things that you do to keep them ready for your next climb?
NG: I mean, I use gloves whenever I apply products on my body and I will use chalk when I am climbing to make sure that they are dry.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 78 Daniel Milchev/Red Bull Content Pool | PG 80 Erich Spiess/ASP/Red Bull Content Pool G | PG 83 Olay |
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see FIGHT & SMILE | Natalia Grossman in mag.