Indianapolis creative wins gold at Merlympics
When Brenden Hudson discovered the world of mermaiding five years ago, he found it combined his two passions — swimming and costuming.
Diving the news: Hudson, a merman performer and marketing director from Indianapolis, was one of six athletes who represented the U.S. last month at the Official Merlympics 2025 in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Team USA bested over a dozen other countries to bring home the gold medal.
Plus: Hudson won individual gold in the men's competition.
What he's saying: "Mermaiding is just really magical," Hudson said, "especially when you see mermaids through the eyes of kids.
"Representation is really important for me. These kids don't always get to see boys that sparkle and shine."
His mer-sona, Merman Chatravee, also highlights his southeastern Asian heritage. Chatravee is his middle name, given by his Thai mother.
State of play: A competitive swimmer through school, Hudson lost touch with the water as an adult but found a passion for drag and cosplay.
Mermaiding combined both and he was immediately hooked.
Just one problem: Indiana is mostly landlocked.
The closest merfolk classes are in Chicago, where he got certified and found a community.
Hudson joined with the Windy City Mermaids performance group and helped start the Mermaid Swim Club to train other mermaids on the swimming and athletic aspects of the hobby.
Hudson found out he made the U.S. team for the Merlympics in November.
His teammates lived in Florida, Utah and Mississippi, so they only had one weekend to practice together in person before heading to Germany last month.
How it works: While the Merlympics aren't affiliated with the traditional Olympics, the competition has a similar structure with multiple events for individuals and teams. Along with the synchronized swim, events included:
A 50-meter surface swim, testing speed in the monofin (which takes serious core strength).
An underwater rescue, emphasizing the merfolk oath of safety.
An underwater photo shoot, judging poise and appearance.
Hudson's individual choreography was performed to " Carousel" by local singer-songwriter Eric Pedigo.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hypebeast
7 hours ago
- Hypebeast
Children of the Discordance SS26 Sews Chaos at Pitti Uomo 108
As previously announced,Children of the Discordancereturned to Florence'sPitti Uomofor its 108th edition today to join other Asian brandsPost Archive Faction(PAF) andHomme Plisse Issey Miyakeas special guests. DesignerHideaki Shikamadid not hold back, bringing forth an expressive range of cut-up and meticulously reworked garments that reflect the chaotic energy of defiant youth cultures and urban life. In an official statement, Shikama likened his and his peers' early fashion to DJing — an appropriate analogy for the collection, defined by remixed, chopped-and-screwed sensibilities. 'DJs avoid playing the same tracks,' he said. 'That applies to the clothes we choose to wear. This local code lives on in everything I do.' For structured skirts, jackets, trousers, and shorts, Shikama enlisted a close friend and London-trained pattern maker to incorporate fine tailoring. However, the label maintains its' edgy sensibilities through further processes like patinated over-dye, deconstructed silhouettes, and asymmetrical compositions. Patchwork suiting combines tonal hues of solid black, navy, khaki, and gray fabrics in varied compositions, and elsewhere, dark fabric scraps are quilted into a horizontally striped textile used for blousons, trousers, and jackets. The concept of 'discordance' is materialized by halved garments sewn together down the middle, including a traditional Japanese souvenir jacket boasting animal motifs, over-dyed sweat pants, a graphic football jersey, and a matching tracksuit. Overlapping and clashing with one another, other key prints, trims, and details include paisley patterns, graffiti graphics, faded crests, technicolor jewel embellishments, and, of course, distressing galore. Finally, Children of the Discordance closed its presentation with an unconventional bridal number composed of crumpled white and black t-shirts and finished with a bejeweled cross adorning a hood-veil hybrid. Stay tuned to Hypebeast for more updates on the Pitti Uomo 108 happenings.
Fox News
11 hours ago
- Fox News
Former UFC fighter's wife prays for 'miracle' as doctors consider drastic measure
Former UFC star and Olympic wrestler Ben Askren remains in the hospital due to an illness that has left doctors considering a lung transplant, according to his wife. Askren's wife, Amy, said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that her husband has been in "limbo" with "good" and "bad" days, prompting another update. "I haven't shared an update because Ben has been in limbo for a while and I was hoping to have him wake up and be the one to decide what to share…" she wrote on Facebook. "Ben is still on a ventilator and ecmo to support him while he heals. There are good days and bad, but on the good, they have been able to wean his sedation enough for him to open his eyes and squeeze hands. His body can't handle coming off sedation too much yet. I'm still praying for a miracle with his current lungs, but they are currently starting the evaluation process for a lung transplant. "I know transplants are such a blessing and I'm overwhelmed at the thought of him receiving a gift like that. No one would take better care of that gift than Ben." She revealed earlier this month that her husband "developed severe pneumonia which came on very suddenly." Askren recently signed with Real American Freestyle — the Hulk Hogan venture hoping to popularize professional freestyle wrestling. The 40-year-old was an NCAA champion in the 170-pound division in 2006 and 2007 and went on to compete for Team USA in the 2008 Olympics. He won gold medals in the 2005 Pan American Championships and the 2009 World Championships. He made his full transition to MMA fighting when he debuted in Bellator in 2010. He then competed in ONE Championship before taking on UFC. He defeated Robbie Lawler via submission at UFC 235 before he lost to Jorge Masvidal in a high-profile bout. In 2021, he fought Jake Paul in a boxing match. Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Foodies Discover the Best Chicken Chow Mein in Las Vegas at Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant
Las Vegas, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Las Vegas, Nevada - Las Vegas-based Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant is excited to highlight their Chicken Chow Mein dish, voted by their customers as one of the best chicken chow mein dishes in the city. The restaurant offers a variety of Thai and Chinese inspired dishes that make it a standout in the Vegas food scene. For those who prefer eating at home, the restaurant provides take-out and delivery services through an online system. Customers can enjoy these meals by visiting and easily placing orders or checking out their wide variety of choices. Beyond the popular chow mein, Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant features a comprehensive menu. This includes a variety of appetizers, beverages, desserts, and entrée options highlighting Chinese, Thai, and stir-fried noodle dishes. Those feeling a bit adventurous might enjoy the vegetarian selections and signature soups as satisfying alternatives. One dish that stands out because of its unique flavor is the Best Orange Shrimp in Las Vegas. It gained attention in a GlobeNewswire release and features fresh, large shrimps covered in a special orange sauce that blends Thai and Chinese traditions. For more information on this dish, check out their press release here: Options like the Green Curry Fish and Chicken also showcase the diverse culinary skills found in their kitchen. Gift certificates are available for those who wish to share this dining experience with loved ones. The restaurant frequently updates special offers and promotions on their website and social media, providing regular customers with discounts and curated meal options. Alan Wong added, "The heart of our restaurant is bringing people together through food. Whether you're dining with us or enjoying our dishes at home, our goal is to make every meal memorable." The restaurant demonstrates its commitment to great service with multiple ordering channels, including an easy-to-use online system, phone orders, and in-person visits. Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant is a staple in the Las Vegas dining scene, offering well-crafted dishes alongside a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who steps in. With a strong social media presence and an active blog, the restaurant shares insights on new menu items and highlights their participation in local community events, maintaining a strong connection with their patrons. For more than forty years, Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant has been a beloved part of the Vegas food scene. With offerings like their Chicken Chow Mein, the restaurant remains a top choice for anyone seeking flavorful and authentic Asian cuisine. To find out more about their menu, visit their official site. The restaurant promises quality and boasts a rich history of culinary excellence. Kung Fu Thai Chinese Restaurant invites diners to discover dishes that bring people together, sparking flavors that resonate with each bite. Whether craving a comforting bowl of noodle soup or the zesty taste of Orange Shrimp, the restaurant offers a culinary journey right in the heart of Las Vegas. To learn more about these culinary delights, explore their blog which provides the latest updates and insights into their dining offerings. ### For more information about Kung Fu Thai & Chinese Restaurant, contact the company here:Kung Fu Thai & Chinese RestaurantAlan Wong702-247-4120aw@ S Valley View Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89103 CONTACT: Alan WongError in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
