Read the OCT ISSUE #106 of Athleisure Mag and see 9CH3FS ROUTIN3S | Chef Eddie Jackson in mag.
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.
Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see 9DRIP STORI3S | J.D. Martinez in mag.
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.
Read the SEP ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S | Nastia Liukin in mag.
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.
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.
Over the past few weeks, we have enjoyed watching the Summer Games. We had the pleasure of sitting down the day after with Grant Holloway 2X Team USA Track & Field Olympian (G1, S1) who runs the 100M Hurdles after his Gold Medal winning race! We wanted to know more about what he loves about this particular sport, how he trains, what it meant to be on Team USA and to compete at Paris 2024, partnering with P&G during the games and his collaboration with David Perry Jewelry.
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you realize that you loved Track & Field?
GRANT HOLLOWAY: I realized that I loved Track & Field probably around my Sophomore year in college around 2018. I really started developing a love/hate relationship with the sport. I could go out to practice and I could actually see what I was doing and how that was transferring onto track. I think it was 2018 when I started realizing that I was loving the sport.
AM: Everyone has their specialty and yours is the 110m Hurdles, what is that you love about doing this?
GH: The 100M Hurdles is a sexy event, you know? You have to be as fast as the fastest man in the world, but you also have to be as athletic as a Long Jumper and I think that when you add those 2 things together, that’s what makes a Hurdler so special. I’ve really enjoyed doing the hurdles obviously and everybody says that I am a Sprinter that Hurdles so I like to take that as a compliment because I could Sprint, but I choose the Hurdles.
AM: What’s an average week like training for this and what are 3 workouts that we should think about including into all of our routines?
GH: Throughout the week, it kind of depends on the phase! Obviously, we’re at the Olympic Games so it was a lot of resting and recovery throughout the week.
3 workouts that I did while I was here was something called Jog & Stride. You’re literally on a track, it’s 400m. You have 2 turns and 2 straights. So I would jog the turns and walk the straights for about a mile which is 4 laps.
Another workout I did was over 7 hurdles and just kind of getting into that race model. I don’t advise anybody to do that unless you’re an actual professional Hurdler. But that is another one that I did!
Then I also did something called a Rest Day. It’s where you step away from Track & Field and you turn the switch off. It allows you to actually get away from it. I think that when we’re always on go for Hurdling and not even just on Hurdling, but for anything in general – you don’t really get the full benefit. So when you are able to step away and to recharge, and to come back to it, I think that you have better results.
AM: I love watching races that include Hurdles and we have memories of gym class where we had such anxiety when it came to having to do them in our sessions. What are 3 tips that you have in maintaining your speed while jumping hurdles?
GH: Maintaining speed is definitely the key component when it comes to hurdling so that is something that I still struggle with to this day. If you just kind of do Rhythm Runs – you start at the 100m and you run all the way down to the finish line, you want to be able to keep the same rhythm from when you started the race to the end of the race. So I think that that is something that you can do as a Hurdler. You have to have some kind of rhythm so once you do that a couple of times, add the hurdles in and just put them on the regular marks and then honestly, just do dry runs on the event. Not going too fast and yet not going too slow at the same time. It’s about doing it so that you feel the rhythm of the race and you know what it feels like. Obviously, towards the end, you want to be able to finish. Anything that comes to endurance – if you have to run a mile or do anything to get it under your belt, you have to do it so that you have that endurance to be able to sprint 110M!
AM: What did it mean to you to be on Team USA for the Paris 2024 Summer Games?
GH: It meant the world to me to be on Team USA. It’s the hardest team to make out of all of the teams and all of the countries here. Team USA is definitely the hardest one. So, I just wanted to really take pride as the #1 Hurdler not only in the US, but in the world. I just wanted to show everybody how hard it is and it’s not every day that you can have a Hurdler come out to be a US Champ as well as you know, an Olympic Champ! So for me, I think that that is the true meaning of being a Champion. I’m looking forward to just be able to continue to do that.
AM: What’s it like being in the Olympic Village?
GH: Being in the Olympic Village, it’s nice! Obviously, there are so many amenities that you can use! P&G has a Salon where everybody can go in and look their best for Game Day. I think that that is always a huge tip to somebody’s success. They always say that when you look good, you feel good and when you feel good, you run good! And when you run good, they pay good as Deion Sanders says! I just think that It’s always cool and that’s the best thing about The Village, that you can go somewhere, and you can be able to look your best before a run and the biggest moment in your life!
AM: You received the Silver medal in the Summer Games at Tokyo 2020 and we had the pleasure to see you at the Summer Games of Paris 2024. What does it mean to you to be a 2X Olympian and to win Gold?
GH: Yeah, to be a 2X Olympian and to win Gold this time, means the world to me! 3 years ago, I was a little bit immature and inexperienced in the event and I didn’t exactly understand what the event took to be a true Champion. I have done it once, but I didn’t do it multiple times. To be an Olympic Champion now and to run a sub 13 performance and to tie one of my mentors and greats, Allen Johnson (G1) in this event, I think that it is always a true humbling feeling.
AM: Do you have any routines that you do ahead of your event to get energized?
GH: Before the meets, it’s just a lot of preparation. It’s just like before you make dinner, you have to prepare the food regardless of whether you’re making tacos or spaghetti. You have to be able to prep the food, so that’s the same thing that I do as a Hurdler. I always try to prep my body, give it the good treatment, get a good night’s rest, and then do everything that I need to do in order to succeed the next day.
AM: Besides winning Gold, what did you love about being at these games?
GH: Being at these Games, it was great! To be in the Olympic Village, I think that it’s really cool to see other athletes from other countries and different backgrounds. Not just Team USA being in one corner, but you see Great Britain, you see Nigeria, you see Botswana – you see all of the different cultures mingling together. I think that that is always a really cool experience. Especially when you get to trade pins. To be able to trade USA pins and to get something in return, you’re able to show your family that you have this pin from this country and you never know who you may run into – a friend, relative and you can give them that pin and say that you were thinking about them in this moment.
AM: Will you be at Closing Ceremonies?
GH: Closing Ceremonies is definitely on the ballot just to say that I did it. I did the Opening Ceremonies and it was long, but one thing about me is that I want to be able to say that I did exactly what I wanted to do and even if I don’t do it in LA 2028 or ever again, I can tell my friends and family that I was able to do it an Opening and Closing Ceremony at least once!
AM: Do you have anything coming up that you would like to share with us that we can keep an eye out for?
GH: What’s next for me is that right now I am prepping for a charity match. I’m getting ready to raise as much money as I can for my charity, the Grant Holloway Foundation to feed less fortunate families in need during the holiday season. That’s Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Year’s as well as sending some back-to-school supplies. I really take huge pride in my charity and how we are able to do it. Last year we were able to raise $32,000 in the first year from Aug. to Oct. So that was about 2.5 months give or take so now we’re full blown! We have done pre-sales and we were already sold out some and now we’re tagging on a poker tournament the day before and on top of that we have some big donors this year that makes me so so excited. So I’m just looking forward to raising some money for some families and hopefully soon we will be able to have a scholarship every year.
AM: You partnered with P&G for the Olympic Games in Paris 2024. Why did you want to partner with them and why is it important to have grooming products that can give you confidence and make you feel great?
GH: Yeah, I partnered with P&G this year for all of those reasons. P&G has the love and the drive that is the same as an Olympic athlete. So why not partner with somebody that has likeminded ideas as you do? P&G knows that on Game Day that you want to look your best. Using Gillette Labs is important as well as the Old Spice products that they supply. You know, when we got into The Village, we were blessed with at least Team USA was, with P&G bags that just had goodies in it -from air fresheners to toiletry items. All in all, P&G does a great job of just really preparing us for Game Day. They know that it takes a lot off the track essentially to get ready.
AM: You’re know as an athlete that rocks his drip with some phenomenal pieces with David Perry Jewelry and you have your Grant Holloway Collection with this brand which has been doing so well! What do you love about wearing these statement pieces?
GH: David Perry and I work hand in hand together! To have his pieces come together and to really show my storyline with the origin of how David Perry and I met, it was spur of the moment. Both of us were talking and I did a photoshoot and one of his friends was like this is a jewelry company and you should wear one of the pieces. I reached out to him and thanked him for letting me wear one of his pieces and then we created a line that was just for this Olympic experience! We took some time before the Opening Ceremony before everything got going and we actually launched it here in Paris. It’s becoming worldwide now and we as a team, we definitely enjoyed to do and it is just the beginning and I can’t wait to do a couple of more lines with him.
IG @flaamingoo_
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 66 NBC News | PG 68 P&G | PG 71 Grant Holloway | PG 71 Illgander |
Read the AUG ISSUE #105 of Athleisure Mag and see TEAM USA | Grant Holloway in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S Grant Holloway in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST Sara Hughes in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see 9PLAYLIST Kelly Cheng in mag.
Read the AUG ISSUE #104 of Athleisure Mag and see 9LIST STORI3S Jordan Chiles in mag.
We've always enjoyed watching Beach Volleyball when we're watching the Olympic Games! This year our eyes are on Team USA Beach Volleyball duo, Sara Hughes and Kelly Cheng! They're a fun pair to watch when they hit the sand and we can't wait to see what they do at Paris 2024. We caught up with them to find out how they came to the sport, what they love about it, combining their super powers, how they stay in shape, Safe Sun, and more!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with volleyball?
SARA HUGHES: I fell in love at the age of eight years old in Huntington Beach, California.
KELLY CHENG: I fell in love with volleyball back when I was 11 years old. I started out playing indoor and thought that was where I’d be for the rest of my life. When I tried out beach in high school… that all changed! I decided to play only beach in college and have been playing professionally ever since!
AM: What led to you choosing beach volleyball and what do you love about it?
SH: Beach volleyball has always had my heart from a young age. I love the environment and atmosphere of the sport. You have to be versatile and well versed in all aspects of the game. There are no subs or coaches when you are on the court so you have to figure out how to win with one other person beside you.
KC: I chose beach volleyball for so many reasons. The beach being my office is top of the list. Getting to be outside for so much of my life is such a joy. I love that there are only 2 people and no subs - you have to be adaptable and think on your feet. You’re so exposed out there on the court and have to figure out how to win just with you and your partner. Allowing my creativity to shine on the court is another passion of mine. There isn’t one way to play this game and I love pushing the envelope on how to play!
AM: You guys have been partners for awhile whether in high school, youth competitions, while competing at USC and beyond - tell me about your style of play and why this duo is so synergistic!
SH: We play with a lot of passion and love for the game. We are both athletic and dynamic and we love showing that on the court. We have great communication and inspire each other to get better every day and change the way the sport is played.
KC: We have such chemistry on and off the court. We connect well and make each other laugh. We enjoy doing life together. Those intangible things have always been easy for us. Now add on top of that our creativity, passion, determination - and we’re unstoppable!
AM: Kelly, you competed at the Olympics in Tokyo 2020 and Sara you are looking to add this to your impressive resume! With us being 100 days out, what are the weeks ahead looking like in terms of qualifying and when you find out about getting this coveted slot?
SH: I am so excited to be going to my first Olympic Games. We actually found out a few weeks ago that we have qualified for Paris! We have 3 more big tournaments to compete in before the games but we have a solid month of training at home before the Olympics. During that time we will refine some skills, game plan, and most importantly have fun and enjoy the journey.
KC: We were pumped to qualify for Paris! It is so exciting to be going to my second Olympics. This time will be SO different. Tokyo was such a unique experience due to all the Covid protocols and it being a closed Olympics. This time around, my family will come and cheer me on!! We have a couple more tournaments worth Olympic points, but after that we get a chunk of time at home allowing us to spend time with family and prepare for the Paris Olympics.
AM: What are you looking forward to should you be able to go to the Summer Games?
SH: I am looking forward to proudly represent Team USA on the worlds largest stage. I also can’t wait to play in the stadium in Paris that will be under the Eiffel Tower.
KC: I’m really looking forward to opening ceremonies! So unique this year being on boats on the Seine River; it should be iconic. And speaking of iconic, our venue will be one of the most jaw dropping locations ever - right in front of the Eiffel Tower!
AM: What's an average week like in terms of training and working out individually as well as a duo?
SH: We train on the sand 4-5 times a week together. I am in the gym 3x a week but have routine stretches, rehab, and ab exercises that I complete every day.
KC: It depends on the week and where we’re at in season, but typically as a team, we train on the sand 4 times a week and watch film and/or have team meetings 2x a week; Solo, I do blocking work with my assistant coach 2x a week, in the gym (Stark) 3x a week, physical therapy 3x a week, sports psych once a week, and Pilates 3x a week. I also try to get a massage or ice bath in every week for recovery! It’s a full time job and I love it!
AM: Do you have any routines that you do before a match to get your head in the game and do you have anything you do after a match to come down from all that energy?
SH: I have a routine warm up that I complete that gets my body warm and ready to go. Kelly and I also share headphones and listen and jam out to music while we warm up. It is a fun way to do our individual routines but stay connected at the same time. After matches we debrief as a team and talk about how the game went.
KC: My favorite pre match routine that Sara and I do together is pray. It sets the tone for the match and always brings me back to the present and gives me perspective. After a match to cool down I love to FaceTime my family. They mean the world to me.
AM: Of course, as beach volleyball players, you're constantly in the sun, and SPF is an essential! How do you engage in safe sun?
SH: Absolutely, safe sun practices are crucial for us, given the amount of time we spend training and competing outdoors. I make sure to apply sunscreen liberally before each practice or match and reapply regularly throughout the day. The Bliss Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30 is fantastic because it's not just about protection; it's about performance. Knowing we have a reliable sunscreen that's invisible and lightweight allows us to focus entirely on our game without worrying about sun damage.
KC: Engaging in safe sun practices is non-negotiable for us as beach volleyball players. We're out in the sun for hours on end, so protecting our skin is a top priority. I always start my day with a layer of SPF 30 sunscreen, and I carry it with me to reapply as needed. I also love how its neutralizing and almost mattifying! Teaming up with Bliss with their Block Star Daily Mineral SPF 30 is a game-changer. It's formulated to be invisible and lightweight, so it doesn't interfere with our performance on the sand.
AM: It seems like we're living in an interesting time where beauty brands are focusing on women's sports to get into their routines especially when it's being used directly in their sport! It makes sense as we can truly see how it is being used which allows us to see how it will work in our day-to-day! What do you think about this synergy between women athletes and beauty brands that are partnering in this way?
SH: It's an exciting development to see beauty brands like Bliss partnering with women athletes. This synergy between sports and beauty not only highlights the importance of skincare for active lifestyles but also celebrates the strength and beauty of women in sports. It's empowering to know that brands recognize our influence and want to support us in our endeavors both on and off the court.
KC: It's a testament to the growing recognition of the intersection between sports and skincare. As athletes, we're constantly exposed to the elements, so having products like Bliss SPF products designed specifically for our needs is invaluable.
AM: When you're not training or competing, how do you take time for yourselves?
SH: I love spending time with friends and family. They are the best support and outlets for me. I also love taking the time to read, jump in the ocean, and take a nice hot bath.
KC: I love a good self care day! A face mask, epsom salt bath, a massage, some quiet time with my Nintendo switch and I’m happy and recharged.
AM: Are there any upcoming projects that you have going on that we should keep an eye out for?
SH: Fun projects coming out with Delta Airlines, Chipotle, KT Tape, Nike, Optimum Nutrition, Eli Lilly, and NBC Sports.
KC: In January we will be running our third annual mentorship camp.
Each year in January we spend 3 days mentoring and pouring into young up and coming beach volleyball players. Usually sophomores or juniors in high school. My husband Jordan and I will ask 6 local female male beach volleyball pros (ranging from AVP champions, Olympians, and Olympic Gold medalists!) to join our camp! During those 3 days, the mentees get to partner up with their pro/mentor and train with them, eat meals together, learn from the whiteboard camps that the mentors run, and participate in fun, silly, competitive group activities together! I think the most beneficial part of camp is what comes after. We ask each mentor to try to continue investing in their mentee consistently for at least the rest of the year! The goal is to create life long relationships that allows an older figure to pour into the next up and coming generation of beach volleyball athletes.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 83 Team USA | PG 84, 9LIST STORI3S PG 89 - 94 Sara Hughes + Kelly Cheng | PG 86 Bliss |
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see JUST SPIKE IT | Sara Hughes + Kelly Cheng in mag.
As we're all enjoying our favorite teams and sports that are taking place at Paris 2024, we have a series of interviews with Olympians that are in this issue that we participated in when we were within the 100 days of the games. We're kicking it off with 2X Team USA Olympics Gymnastics, Jordan Chiles (G1, S1) who competed in Tokyo 2020 and is competing in Paris alongside her teammates Simone Biles (G5, S1, B2), Suni Lee (G2, S1, B1), Jade Carey (G2), and Hezly Rivera (G1), known as The Golden Girls! They have already won a Gold medal from the Paris 2024 games!
We sat down with Jordan to talk about the sport, becoming an Olympian, how much she is looking forward to this year's Summer Games which will have an audience in attendance as well as being able to meet other athletes, and how she maintains self-care! We have enjoyed seeing her floor routines which mix Hip-Hop, Beyoncé, and more. She also has fans that include Megan Thee Stallion, 2X Gold Medalist + 6X NBA Champion Michael Jordan, and Queen Bee herself, Beyoncé.
ATHLEISURE MAG: We have enjoyed seeing you do and it’s great to chat with you!
JORDAN CHILES: Thank you so much for having me! I love opportunities like this and to have the ability to be able to speak with you about my goals and everything like that, this should be fun!
AM: What’s your earliest gymnastics memory that made you love this sport?
JC: I would probably say that I was around 9 or 10 years old and I had really bad ADHD when I was younger. So I always say that gymnastics saved me because I was able to get all of my energy out before I realized that I had a gift and talent and that I would be able to go somewhere with it. I just thought that it was all fun and games so I really just wanted to be able to take that energy to the next level around 9/10/11 years old so it was pretty cool to just take off and to see what else I could do.
AM: I love that!
Everyone has their specialty in the sport, what do you feel are your areas of things that you love to do?
JC: I kind of just love my sport in general. I don’t have a specialty in what I do. I’m just known as the hype woman a lot as people say! I give a lot of energy to the crowd and to my teammates. I just think that being a leader as well and kind of knowing and understanding each and every aspect of what it is to be an athlete – mentally, physically, and so I can say that it’s about me being myself and being authentic to who I am.
AM: You have been on the Women’s US National Gymnastic Team since 2013, what does it mean to you that you have represented your country from the Olympics to World Championships, NCAA Championships with UCLA, and just owning all of the spaces?
JC: Man, it’s been crazy! I can say knowing that I have been on the National Team since I was 12 years old it’s been a whirlwind, a crazy ride, it’s been up and down – the road wasn’t straight or smooth. It was very bumpy and curvy, but I am really proud to say that I represent Team USA and just being able to help the country understand that our sport is such a unique and different thing than it is to other sports in that it’s hard work, it’s dedication, and it’s a simplicity thing to who you want to be. I think that it’s pretty cool. I can say that representing Team USA wearing Red, White, and Blue and always having it wherever I go on my back is definitely something that I cherish for sure!
AM: I have always enjoyed watching your routines and I have literally had tears in my eyes just watching you perform. Whether it’s you in UCLA incorporating Hip-Hop, Beyoncé and all of these different things – what goes into creating these performances and obviously deciding the elements that are involved as well as the music and all of that?
JC: So when it comes to my floor routine, the first one that I had, I was really little and it was Michael Jackson and I did a tribute to him. I think that it’s really about the culture and the music and how pop culture has kind of changed the atmosphere into what it means to putting your own touch and taste to it – your own piece – like your cherry on top you know? It’s like you have this awesome sundae and you want to put that cherry on top to show who you are! So, when it came to my music, obviously I just want to be able to not only get the crowd involved, but also to take it back for them. Because they are watching and if they hear something that they’re like, “oh my gosh, I remember when I was in high school listening to this song,” that is what I do, whether it is Beyoncé, the 90s, taking it back to the Michael Jackson days, or even bring in superheroes! I’ve done that too! It’s pretty cool to put my own touch into everything.
AM: When you competed at the Summer Games in Tokyo and you came home with a medal, did you always imagine that you would be on that stage?
JC: I always imagined that I would be an Olympian for sure and go to the Olympics, but I didn’t believe whatsoever that it would be in Gymnastics! Back in 2008, I told my mom when we were watching the Olympic Games, “you know what? One day I want to go to the Olympics!” Back then, I didn’t know what sport I was doing, I was young. So, knowing that it was for Gymnastics and I was able to bring home a medal, being there in that position and being on that stage – not a lot of people get to experience that and I am beyond proud of myself for sure. I can just say that the little me would be very proud and to be able to continue on with something that I have always dreamed of.
AM: What are the challenges of being an Olympic Gymnast and what does an average day or week look like when you’re training and preparing for the upcoming Summer Games?
JC: Obviously, it’s a little different. My first Olympic Games, I was really a nobody! Knowing that I am going into this 2nd Olympic cycle with an Olympics under my belt, it’s different for sure! But, I am still doing everything that I was doing just like it would be my first. I have been taking it day by day and month by month. As we’re talking right now, we are under 100 days away! Knowing that makes me just like ahh – oh my gosh this is so crazy and I’m doing this all over again, but it definitely is a mental game and for someone like me who's kind of already been through it, I know what to do, but for others that maybe this is their first time trying out for the Olympics, just take this moment as this will always be something that you will be able to cherish. Just take it piece by piece, remember your why, and that’s how I always think of it every step of the way.
AM: With it being less than 100 days to Paris 2024, what does it look like in terms of your schedule for qualifying and other things on the Road to the Olympics.
JC: Knowing that we’re just a few days away as I will say it like that because it just sounds more reasonable! Right?
AM: Right!
JC: We have a competition this week which starts off with the Core Classics. Our season actually started at the beginning of Jan, but unfortunately, I was unable to compete due to a shoulder injury that I had. So this meet that is coming up this weekend is my first meet that will put me on the platform to show people where I am at, what I am doing, and to give our head people an understanding of where – if I am picked – where I can be on the team. Obviously, 2 weeks after that, we have Championships which is a really big meet as well and then about 2 and a half weeks after that, we have Olympic Trials. That will be where they pick the Olympic Team and the Olympic Alternates. It’s definitely a fast cycle for us. We are one of the last Team USA sports that do – besides Track & Field, that we are the last to find out who gets to go!
AM: Yeah, we’ve been watching other sports on Team USA that are already confirmed and we keep checking for you guys to see when those announcements will be.
JC: Yeah, us and Track & Field, we’re always the last to figure out what the team is. But I feel that that is the coolest part of it because it’s like, “ooo who is it going to be?” It’s also motivating to see other people that have already made it so it pushes you to think that you want to make it so that you can meet some of the other people who will also be there as well! It’s a great process and I think that the qualifying part is the biggest that you will ever experience.
AM: In terms of Paris, what are you looking forward to?
JC: Well, knowing that I have been to Paris already a few times, I still think that every single time that I get off the plane, it’s just beautiful. I love being out there! The culture, the atmosphere, the designers, everything fashion – it’s just amazing! I think that the biggest thing is just enjoying and having an Olympic Games that will be normal. In Tokyo there was COVID and we didn’t get to do a lot and just to be able to go around the Olympic Village with people and being able to have an audience and to enjoy the Olympic experience. So I am truly looking forward to that! Also being able to get to meet people we didn’t do that last time. I hope that I will be able to meet a basketball player or a volleyball player, golf or whatever it is and to be able to experience that!
AM: With that time being so close, you have partnered with Bliss. What is the synergy between you and the brand?
JC: So Bliss felt very natural to me. It felt like it fit in with who I am trying to be and especially with their commitment to self-care which is a very key thing to me whether it’s in your skincare, your beauty, taking a nap you know? Having the ability to just embrace who you are and with their Lemon Sage Body Butter, it’s definitely a game changer for sure. I feel very confident, elegant, and smooth who I am. It’s just a nourishment for sure and being able to have Bliss as a partner within my daily routine, makes me feel like a brand new person every single time!
AM: I have to say that I am a long time fan of this scent and that product and you get that luxury feeling when you put it on.
In terms of self-care, what do you do? I know that you’re always traveling and you have a schedule so what do you do to take that time so you have moments for yourself?
JC: A lot of times when it comes to self-care, it does come to beauty and you want to take that time to feel as beautiful as possible because you know that this world is very crucial and it does take a whirlwind on you. Within my self-care, I like to take time to myself. It could be sitting in my room and drawing, whether I’m looking at a Netflix show and binge watching and just being by myself because I am around a lot of people 24/7 so sometimes taking that sound and putting it away helps a lot. I take naps! I take naps all of the time! If you don’t know where I went, and you don’t see me at all – it’s because I’m asleep in my room napping. That’s how I do self-care for myself or sometimes I go shopping. Retail therapy is the best!
AM: How do you keep your skin looking and feeling hydrated especially when you think about travel, doing all of the movements when you have perspiration and the chalk you use? Looking at your skin right now, obviously you’ve got it down as your skin is glowing and it looks beautiful.
JC: Oh thank you! With the hydration part, I do a lot of intake of water because as a gymnast, we sweat a lot. I mean I’m not really a sweater but when it does come to working out, always grinding, we lose a lot of salt so, that does make our skin very dry and brittle. Also the magnesium we’re around in our chalk, it takes moisture out. So because of all of that, I drink a lot of water and I make sure that I am always moisturized no matter where I go! So whether it’s a lotion or a scrub or whatever it is, even for my lips, I keep everything hydrated because I am always in chalk! I don’t like chalk already because it’s nasty so that hydration, it really comes in to make you feel good. I wake up every morning, I wash my face, I do my whole skincare and if I forget to put my moisturizer on, oh I go crazy! I’m like my face is going to fall off! So I make sure that I am taking everything in for sure!
AM: Are there any kind of projects that you have that we should keep an eye out for as obviously you have an amazing schedule coming up and we can’t wait to see that! But is there anything else that we should know about?
JC: I can say that there is this one thing that is coming into play and I can’t really say a lot without saying a lot! It’s definitely going to give a perspective on when you feel you have done so much in your life that you can help others so I will leave it with that! So just keep an eye out on it and I feel that a lot of people will be able to take a lot from it. They will understand what it is like to be an athlete and to be someone that is more than just an athlete!
AM: What do you want your legacy to be whether it’s in the sport or outside of it? As you just stated it’s not just about being an athlete, it’s more than that.
JC: I think the legacy would be more so that I was always having fun, I always - I don’t like to say this, but I wasn’t always a rule follower. I always did things outside of the box and just enjoyed being the person that I was, being authentic to who I am as a person, and knowing that there is only one you and that nobody can change that. I think that the legacy is who you are, what you want to do in your life, and how can you control that within yourself!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 66 Team USA Facebook | PG 71 + 9PLAYLIST PG 76 Team USA | PG 74 Bliss | PG 78 + 63MIX ROUTIN3S PG 80 Jordan Chiles |
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see TRUE JORDAN | Jordan Chiles in mag.
We love this time of year when we have all of our favorite sports happening during this time of year. We turn our attention to soccer and Angel City FC. We took some time to sit down with one of their star athletes, Sydney Leroux, Team USA Soccer Gold Medalist for London 2012 as well as being a World Cup Winner for USWNT at the 2015 FIFA World Cup.
We wanted to catch up with her to find out how she got into the sport, playing for Angel City FC, her partnership with TYLENOL as well as how it assisted her through recovering from her injuries so that she could get back to the game and team that she loves!
ATHLEISURE MAG: When did you fall in love with soccer and realize you want to play professionally?
SYNDEY LEROUX: I fell in love with soccer probably when I was around four or five. My mom put me in every sport possible because I was crazy and she wanted me to burn off some energy. I just loved scoring goals and so I continued to play. I also played baseball, but I played with boys. And so my mom was like, “Okay, you need to make a decision”, and I decided to stick with soccer.
AM: Was there anything behind that decision to pick soccer for baseball?
SL: Well, the boys started getting huge and I stayed the same size. And I just felt like I gravitated towards soccer.
AM: We know the season has started for Angel City FC, but what are you most looking forward to this season? What have you enjoyed so far?
SL: I'm looking forward to just continuing to push, we're midway through the season now and I think we've seen really good things. I think just like working off of that and trying to be a good teammate and do as much as I possibly can.
AM: What does it mean to play the sport you love and represent your passion? Whether it's on the global stage or whether it's just playing in LA? What does that mean to you to get to represent?
SL: It means so much. I think that I've been able to see the growth of women's soccer and women's sports, like being in it and being involved. The NWSL started like 13 years ago, and I was there for that. There was this fear about like, are we going to continue or is it going to fold like all of the other women's leagues before the NWSL. I was playing in Boston at a little high school field with a couple hundred fans. Someone had a little camera and it went on YouTube, and now I play in front of a sold out stadium with 22,000 people in Los Angeles. I don't think anyone could have ever thought that, but I think we pushed for that and this is what we want. So yeah, I'm just so happy to be a part of it and know that the future can even be better.
AM: Why have you partnered with TYLENOL and what is the Care Commitment?
SL: I partnered with TYLENOL because I realized that it's everywhere in my life- from my muscle aches and pains to the kids having a fever. I just realized it's everywhere, so it made sense. Coming back from my injury, I knew how hard that was. I'm really excited to announce the TYLENOL Care Commitment, which is a recovery fund to help injured athletes get back into the game. TYLENOL is committing funding to help injured athletes recover and compete once again, starting this year with a sponsorship to the Women’s Sports Foundation.
AM: How do you manage training during the in-season and how does that compare to when you're in the off-season?
SL: Training in season is tough. But I would also say that training in the off-season and getting ready for a grueling season, we play like 10 months a year, so the offseason is very short. I just try to stay healthy, that's my number one right now, and it's been going good so far.
AM: As a mom, how do you balance that training and playing soccer in the games with the activities with your kids and being their role model?
SL: I think that there's no perfect balance, you just have to do as best as you can. For me to be a role model to my children and to other moms, too, has been amazing. I also think just being able to play with them and do what I do and bring them along with me, I think that that's been really helpful. But it's just about sometimes getting outside and playing.
AM: Do you have any advice for moms balancing that busy career with raising a family?
SL: I think don't be so hard on yourself, give yourself grace. Your kids just love you and as long as you're present there when you can be, I think that's all that matters.
AM: Any other upcoming projects we should keep an eye out for? What's the next thing for Sydney?
SL: Yeah, I actually play in my 150th game coming up against Orlando, so I'm looking forward to that.
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | PG 135 Sydney Leroux| PG 136 George Orozco | 9PLAYLIST MULTI PG 138 - 141 |
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see CHARTING HER COURSE | Sydney Leroux in mag.
Every four years when we watch the Summer Games, we enjoy connecting and reconnecting with those competing, veterans, analysts, and personalities. It's a great time to come together to support an array of sports that we all enjoy. Of course with Team USA Gymnastics, we know that we'll be cheering this group along and we took some time to talk with 5X Team USA Gymnastic Olympic Medalist, Nastia Liukin (G1, S3, B1). We caught up with her on what she's doing, her thoughts on competing at Paris 2024, her advice for the women's team, what she will do in Paris, her collaboration with Recess Pickleball and more.
ATHLEISURE MAG: It has been quite a year in gymnastics and we have enjoyed watching the road to seeing who would be on this year's Team USA Women's Gymnastics Team! As a 5X Olympic Medalist, what have been some of the biggest moments that you enjoyed while competing at the Olympics?
NASTIA LIUKIN: Competing at the Olympics is a surreal experience. One of the biggest moments for me was winning the all-around gold medal in Beijing in 2008. Standing on the podium, hearing the national anthem, and realizing all the hard work had paid off was indescribable. Another unforgettable moment, and perhaps the most memorable, was standing in the tunnel with my teammates before we stepped onto the competition floor for the first time. We all looked at each other, not exchanging any words, knowing that our lives were about to change forever.
AM: Like many, we are excited about the upcoming Summer Games and of course, to see Team USA Gymnastics hit the floor! What are you looking forward to this year with this team?
NL: I'm incredibly excited to see the new talent and the routines that Team USA will bring to Paris. This year's team has shown such resilience and dedication, and I can't wait to see them shine on the world stage. I'm biased because Hezly Rivera (G1) trains with my parents, but I cannot wait to watch her realize her dreams in Paris. I’m also so excited to see Suni (G1, S1, B1) step onto the competition floor after the year she has had.
AM: Do you have any words of advice for the ladies as they head to Paris?
NL: My advice would be to trust your training, trust your muscle memory, but also, enjoy it! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that some will never have again. Leave it all out on the competition floor, but take time to soak in the small moments.
AM: Will you be in Paris and if so will you be broadcasting/being an analyst or will you be there with another brand? What are you excited about for the Olympic Games?
NL: I’m so excited to be in Paris right now. I recently announced that I’ll be ELLE Magazine’s official gymnastics correspondent, I’ll be filming my own show that dives into the psychology of the Olympic journey, and working with the USOPC on numerous events throughout the Games. I’m also excited to watch in a spectator capacity for the first time! My favorite part of any Olympics is to witness the culmination of years of hard work and dedication that these athletes have given to their sport. The Olympic spirit is truly special, and being there to experience it firsthand is always inspiring.
AM: You are no stranger to collaborations. You just launched your latest one with Recess Pickleball!
What do you love about this sport and how/why did this partnership come about?
NL: Pickleball is such a fun and engaging sport that brings people together. I love the social aspect and how it can be competitive yet enjoyable for all skill levels. The partnership with Recess Pickleball came about so organically because I was always a fan of their brand. I actually sent them a DM a year and a half ago telling them that it was on my vision board to launch a collaboration with them leading up to Paris, and here it is!
AM: We have seen a number of athletes that have embraced this sport. Will you be playing in tournaments?
NL: I hope to, yes, but definitely more social tournaments than competitive! It’s a great way to stay active and challenge myself in a new sport. Plus, the pickleball community is incredibly welcoming, and I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow players.
AM: We know that you're a big advocate of mental health. How do you take time for yourself when you're not in the midst of projects?
NL: Meditation has been a learned skill that I’ve incorporated into my mental health routine after a close mentor shared how well it worked for him, specifically TM. The Calm App or Headspace are great ways for beginners to get into meditation, too. I’m also a fan of hot and cold therapy, which is a huge mood booster. Something else that I look forward to every day, now that I live by the water, is catching the sunset along the beach. It’s incredibly grounding, sets me up for a good night’s sleep, and I do it with my dog, Harley, who makes everything better!
AM: Are there any other projects that you're working on that you would like to share with us?
NL: I’m excited to share a few big things once I’m in Paris, so you’ll have to stay tuned!
PHOTOGRAPHY CREDITS | Recess Pickleball
Read the JUL ISSUE #103 of Athleisure Mag and see FROM BEAM TO COURT | Nastia Liukin in mag.
