Latest news with #post-Olympics
Vogue Singapore
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Suni Lee on battling kidney disease, finding balance and being a lululemon girl Beauty, Wellness
Last year, the world watched on as the women's team from USA took home gold at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Amongst the athletes, Suni Lee was a clear standout and fan favourite, not just for being the first Hmong American to compete at the Olympics but for her triumphant performance that led to a bronze medal for uneven bars. It was a moving win like no other, especially given how a year prior to the sporting event, Lee was battling a rare kidney disease. One that was devastatingly crippling, where she couldn't even put on pair of grips, let alone feel like she could ever compete again. Of course, Lee would go on to defy every odd, whilst openly advocating for her rare disease. 'Looking back, that time was really scary and uncertain. Being diagnosed with rare kidney diseases and having to step away from gymnastics was tough, I wasn't sure if I'd compete again. But with the support of my family, doctors, and coaches, I took it day by day and focused on my health. Making it to Paris and competing again showed me the power of resilience—sometimes it's about adapting and trusting the process, even when things don't go as planned,' says the 22-year-old. Courtesy of lululemon This year, post-Olympics, Lee is enjoying life to the fullest, just like any vivacious twenty-something. She's been glowing courtside at a few NBA games, reigning as a beauty queen on TikTok and has recently been named a lululemon ambassador with an Align campaign in tow. Like many women, Lee is not immune to the charms of the American athleisure brand, which makes this partnership a natural fit. 'Even before this ambassadorship, I have every single product in every single colour. A s an athlete, I've always appreciated how their gear supports performance without sacrificing comfort or style. But what really drew me in is their commitment to wellness as a whole—not just physical fitness, but also mental health and self-expression.' Below, the six-time Olympic medalist speaks to Vogue Singapore on her favourite Lululemon pieces, wellness practices and what her definition of strength looks like. Congratulations on your new Align campaign with lululemon that marks the product line's 10th anniversary. Tell us about your experience on set that day. Shooting the Align campaign was such a fun and empowering experience. The energy on set was so positive, everyone really made me feel comfortable and confident, which I think comes through in the photos. What I loved most was how true to me everything felt. The Align collection is all about softness and movement, so it didn't feel like I was 'posing'. It felt natural, like I was just being myself. It was a day full of laughter, good vibes, and a reminder of how powerful it is to feel comfortable in your own skin. What goes into your training as an athlete and gymnast and how does lululemon come in? Training as a gymnast is incredibly demanding as it is a mix of strength and flexibility, coupled with endurance and precision. I'm a huge fan of cross-training too, so I like to do things outside of the gym. Every day looks a little different, but there's always a focus on pushing my limits while also listening to my body. That balance is really important to me, and it's something lululemon supports in such a real way. Their gear moves with me through every part of my day, from high-intensity training to recovery and even rest. I rely on pieces like those from the Align collection when I need something soft and breathable during stretching or lighter workouts, and the brand's performance wear when I'm going full out. But more than that, I love that lululemon encourages a holistic approach to wellness, reminding me that taking care of my mental health and finding moments of stillness are just as important as the physical side of training. Courtesy of lululemon As a gymnast, athlete and public figure, how has it been like coping with stressors from a young age? What is your mindset when it comes to that? It hasn't always been easy, especially growing up in the spotlight while competing at the highest levels. As a gymnast and public figure, there's pressure from expectations, from social media, even from myself. But over the years, I've learned how important it is to give myself grace and protect my mental space. I've really worked on shifting my mindset from perfection to progress. It's okay to have hard days, and it's okay to step back when you need to. Surrounding myself with the right support system like family, coaches, and friends, and practising things like mindfulness and journaling have helped me stay grounded. I've also learned that strength isn't just about what you do in the gym, it's how you care for your whole self. How do you unwind? What gives you comfort during the strenuous times of rigorous training? I find comfort in simple things like spending time with my family and close friends who help me stay grounded. I also love journaling and practising mindfulness to clear my mind and reset. Sometimes, just putting on some music and moving at my own pace, whether it's stretching or Pilates, helps me recharge. It's those little moments of calm that keep me balanced and ready to take on whatever comes next. Courtesy of lululemon What is next for Suni? What's next for me is all about growth, both as an athlete and as a person. I want to keep pushing my limits, but also focus on using my platform to create a positive impact and spreading goodness. Being part of the lululemon community has been incredible because it's filled with like-minded people who believe in wellness, mindfulness, and supporting each other's journeys. You can expect to see me continuing to advocate for holistic health, inspiring others to find balance in their lives, and further collaborating with lululemon on projects that empower people to move, breathe, and be their best selves every day.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
The One Yard Line: Kayla Harrison's journey to the doorstep of UFC gold
The One Yard Line: Kayla Harrison's journey to the doorstep of UFC gold From a "post-Olympics depression" to a highly anticipated UFC title fight, Kayla Harrison is on the cusp of becoming arguably the most decorated combat sports athlete in history. COCONUT CREEK, Fla. – Kayla Harrison is on the cusp of becoming arguably the most decorated combat sports athlete in history. That's not hyperbole. She's already got credentials few can match. Winning is essentially all Harrison has known when it comes to competition during her adult life. Most experience moments of failure, but hers have been few and far between en route to two Olympic gold medals in judo and two PFL championships in MMA. At UFC 316 on June 7 at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., Harrison (18-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will attempt to add the UFC women's bantamweight title to that resume when she challenges reigning champion Julianna Peña (11-5 MMA, 8-3 UFC). Harrison admits she didn't know if she'd ever reach this moment. Her journey in judo was "love at first sight," but after conquering the highest mountain of achievement at the Olympics not just once, but twice, Harrison didn't know where the future would take her. "After the games I suffered a post-Olympic depression," Harrison told MMA Junkie. "I went from being super focused and never hitting the snooze button, to never setting an alarm. I didn't even have a Netflix account, and then all of a sudden I watched everything there was to watch on Netflix. "You want to talk about a couch potato? I'm pretty sure there was like an indent of me in my couch. … I just felt really sad and kind of empty." Harrison's life now is radically different from those dreaded post-Olympic days. After initially resisting MMA, she finally gave it a try and said it wasn't long before she was on the hook. The fundamentals from her countless hours in judo provided a nice foundation, but Harrison said entering MMA felt like she had to start from the beginning. For someone with a competitive fire that burns stronger than the average person can comprehend, that was both exhilarating and frightening. "I don't think I've had that moment yet where I'm like, 'Oh, I've made it,' which is kind of weird, I guess, because I've had a lot of fights," Harrison said. "… I definitely feel like I'm good at what I do in the gym. I'm like, 'I'm the baddest b*tch on this planet' every time I spar. But you don't fight as often as you compete in a judo tournament, so I think there's still sometimes a little bit of, like, 'But are you?' "Then you go out and win and you're like, 'Oh yeah – you are. You are.'" Harrison's purpose: Motherhood Finding a new purpose to channel her athletic experience and world-class work ethic was a clear positive point in Harrison's life. However, she said it's not the one that allowed her to make this climb into a UFC title fight with ultimate confidence and peace of mind. That moment came when Harrison's children entered her life. She took responsibility for her niece and nephew, Emery and Kyle, after her sister and mother could no longer effectively support them. She eventually adopted both kids in October 2021, raising them as a single mother and finding what is her guiding light. "I didn't know what I was doing," Harrison said. "Once I became a mom, that became the job. Once I realized that my kids love me and they don't care if I get a belt or I don't get a belt, if I have a lot of money or if I don't have a lot of money – they care that I come home, they care that I tuck them in at night, they care that I'm there to kiss a boo-boo; they don't give a sh*t about any of that other stuff – and once I realized that, it set me free. "I became a free fighter. I no longer had to fight because I had to earn something from someone. … I no longer operate from that place of fear because I have everything that I need. It's just made me fight from a place of joy and love, which has been awesome." 'I'm about to be UFC champion' Harrison, 34, struggles to even ponder the thought that all of these elements in her life are coming together at the right moment in time as she goes into her first UFC title fight. The significance of her title fight against Peña can only stack up to those matches she had for Olympic gold in 2012 and 2016. She rose to the occasion in those moments, and it's her expectation that's what will happen again. "On fight day, it feels like it's just a matter of time until I get what's mine," Harrison said. "I want to be UFC champion. I'm about to be UFC champion. We're almost there. We're on, like, the one-yard line. I can't wait."
NDTV
23-05-2025
- NDTV
7 Coolest Luxury Destinations To Escape To This Summer 2025
If luxury travel is on your mind, summer 2025 is packed with stylish escapes worth booking now. From designer villas in Puglia to fjord-side fine dining in Norway, the coolest luxury destinations for summer 2025 blend exclusivity, sustainability and serious style. Whether you're after Mediterranean beach clubs with a dress code or peaceful alpine hideaways, these high-end hotspots offer more than just good looks-they're redefining what it means to travel in luxury. Think fewer crowds, more character, and the kind of slow, indulgent stays that actually feel like a holiday. This summer, luxury travel isn't optional — it's built in. Here Are 7 Of The World's Coolest Luxury Destinations For Summer 2025: 1. Italy Italy will never not be a summer hotspot, but for 2025, luxury travellers are heading south to Puglia. With its whitewashed villages, trulli houses and olive groves that stretch forever, Puglia's appeal lies in its understated glamour. Borgo Egnazia (where Justin Timberlake got married, if you needed convincing) continues to lead the pack, with newcomers like Masseria Pistola raising the bar on countryside chic. Skip Capri unless you love crowds — Salento's coastal cliffs and quiet coves offer just as much sparkle with way fewer selfies. 2. Japan Japan is having a luxury moment again — and this time it's less about Tokyo penthouses and more about tranquil ryokans and forested retreats. The Noto Peninsula may still be rebuilding after the January 2024 earthquake, but places like Kyoto and Hakone are thriving. The new Aman Niseko (expected to open late 2024) is set to bring Alpine-style summer escapes to Hokkaido, offering cool weather, fine dining and a very stylish version of solitude. 3. France Sure, Paris is always in style (especially post-Olympics glow-up), but the real French flex this summer? Corsica. It's rugged, romantic and refreshingly crowd-free compared to the Cote d'Azur. Think yachts without the Instagram circus, cliffside villas with infinity pools and impossibly clear water. Bonifacio is the name to know — where old-world charm meets swanky new boutique hotels. Also, with Corsica's commitment to sustainable luxury growing, it's becoming a favourite among eco-conscious travellers with high standards. 4. Greece Mykonos might still have the DJ line-ups, but Milos is where you'll actually want to spend time. Known for its moon-like beaches and slower pace, the island is rapidly becoming a haven for quiet luxury. The new White Pebble Suites are already drawing a stylish crowd, and direct flights from major European cities mean it's finally as easy to reach as it is to fall in love with. Expect boho-chic design, seafood straight off the boat, and beach bars where nobody's filming you for TikTok. 5. Switzerland Photo: Pixabay Swap skis for hiking boots (or don't hike at all — there's plenty of champagne lounging to be done) because Switzerland's alpine towns are booming in summer. St. Moritz is shaking off its winter-only vibe, thanks to luxury lakeside lodges, high-altitude yoga and art fairs drawing an international crowd. With climate change making many summer hotspots unbearably hot, Switzerland's crisp air and cool lakes are becoming more than just a niche retreat — they're a heatwave-proof haven. 6. Portugal Comporta, south of Lisbon, is a sleepy fishing village turned luxury bolthole. But not flashy luxury-Comporta is barefoot elegance at its finest. Celebs like Madonna and Christian Louboutin have homes here, but you'd barely notice. Think thatched-roof villas, private dunes, and dinner parties lit by candlelight, not iPhones. The vibe? If Gwyneth Paltrow designed a beach town, this would be it. Just go soon — it won't stay under the radar much longer. 7. Norway Scandinavia continues its reign among design-obsessed travellers, and Norway is leading the pack. While the fjords are nothing new, the level of luxury now available is. Ships like Havila Voyages offer a slower, greener way to cruise the coast, while land-based options like 29/2 Aurland (a boutique farm-hotel) combine outdoor adventure with Nordic-style indulgence. Add in some of the world's most scenic Michelin-starred restaurants, and you've got one of 2025's most underrated summer escapes.
The Irish Sun
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Rhasidat Adeleke reveals moment during Dublin visit where she realised her life had changed forever post-Olympics
RHASIDAT Adeleke realised she'd reached a new level of fame post-Olympics when she got mobbed by fans while out with friends at Dundrum Shopping Centre. Despite still only being 22, she has clearly been a star on the rise for several years as she has continually Advertisement 4 She finished fourth in Paris in her solo 400metre event as well as just missing out on a medal with the 4x400metre women's team 4 Record crowds showed up at June's National Outdoor Championships at Morton Stadium in Santry six weeks prior to the Paris Games However, competing in an Olympic Games in a European timezone meant she was provided with a platform that vaulted her into becoming a household name nationwide. She's now reflected on how her Paris experience, which ultimately featured Speaking to She recalled: 'I was stopped by like 50 people and had a bunch of people around me asking for pictures and autographs and stuff. Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport 'It's insane because I just went to Dundrum as I normally would. "But I almost forget that I have, I guess, some sort of presence now. It's really cool. It honestly is really cool. 'In comparison, being out here in Austin, Texas, where I can just walk around freely, nobody really knows who I am. "So it kind of makes me forget that I do have that presence back home. But yeah, it's a blessing.' Advertisement Most read in Athletics Elsewhere in the interview the Tallaght native explained the different approach she and coach Edrick Floreal are taking this year. They found that she wore out over the course of her mammoth 2024 exploits. Rhasidat Adeleke teases 'brother-sister duo' for 2028 Olympics in exciting training video So in order to prevent that happening again, they opted to skip the indoor season entirely with peaking for September's World Championships in Tokyo the number one priority. Detailing their collaborative approach, she added: 'My coach is very focused on us achieving our targets at the World Championships in September. Advertisement "By the time it came to September last year, I was so burnt out physically and mentally. We had just been go, go, go, go, go. "The base that I had was wearing away. So what my coach decided to do was more so keep the base going, keep doing that groundwork and then we'll sharpen up close to the championships. 4 In May 2024 she graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Corporate Communications Credit: @rhasidat_adeleke 4 But she's kept the college as her training base since turning professional as it is a world-class programme that features Olympic 200m champ Julien Alfred as a peer Credit: @rhasidat_adeleke Advertisement 'I've run three times this season so far and each time I was like, 'Oh my God, I feel very different. I don't feel as sharp. I don't feel as quick. I feel sluggish.' "And my coach is trying to remind me: 'Ray, you're not trying to break the world record right now. Focus on the goal.'" The Corporate Communications graduate did It was very much a case of mission accomplished once the A-team of her, Advertisement So neither she nor Mawdsley, Becker or McCann ran in the ensuing final. It was a similar story at that same meet in China as regards the mixed 4x400metre quartet. Once again Adeleke helped a strong line-up to post the necessary World Championships qualification mark in their heat so she and the other most high-profile sprinters were rested for the final.
Korea Herald
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Korea Herald
Olympic fencing champions eyeing Grand Prix medals at home this week
The reigning double Olympic gold medalist Oh Sang-uk will headline the South Korean team as Seoul hosts its annual International Fencing Federation (FIE) Grand Prix in sabre this week. SK Olympic Handball Gymnasium in Seoul will be the venue for the three-day competition starting Friday. Each Grand Prix event awards the third-most world ranking points, behind only the Olympics and world championships. South Korea has been staging the Grand Prix in sabre each year since 2015. This year's event will feature some 340 athletes from 41 nations. South Korea swept the men's individual and team sabre gold medals at the Paris Olympics last year, while also grabbing silver in the women's team event. Oh held off Fares Ferjani of Tunisia for the individual gold and helped South Korea to its third consecutive men's team gold medal. Oh is No. 1 in the FIE world rankings this season and will be the crowd favorite at this week's Grand Prix, too, even though he is not on the national team this season after taking some time off post-Olympics. "Since the Olympics, I've been trying to find a new source of motivation in me," Oh said at the pre-competition media conference Wednesday in Seoul. "Though I am not on the national team now, I am here to represent the country well." Gu Bon-gil, who has competed on all three Olympic gold medal-winning teams in 2012, 2021 and 2024, said it was about time he finally won a Grand Prix medal on home soil. "I've never reached a Grand Prix podium here, and I'd love to win one," the 36-year-old said. "But at the same time, I will try to help my younger teammates do well." Two other members of the 2024 Olympic squad, Park Sang-won and Do Gyeong-dong, will also be competing at the Grand Prix. They were thrown into the Olympic fire after a couple of veterans retired and made crucial contributions in South Korea's run to the top of the Paris podium. Park is now a career-high No. 5 in the world. "I've been working hard for this event, and I want to live up to my ranking position," Park said. "I want to stand on the podium when it's all said and done." Ferjani said Seoul is one of his favorite Grand Prix stops because "everything is very beautiful" in the South Korean capital city, and he was looking forward to renewing his rivalry with Oh on the latter's home soil. "When I fence with Oh, it's a beautiful game because he's very athletic," the world No. 3 said. "I need to find a very intelligent way to fence and win on small details. In Paris, he was better in everything, so he had the gold medal. I am happy that the game is always very nice with Oh." In the women's event, Jeon Ha-young has taken a similar developmental path as Park -- from an unknown before the Olympics to a medalist and now No. 2 in the world rankings. I've taken a big step forward both mentally and technically," Jeon said. "I think this kind of confidence has been a huge positive for me at Grand Prix and World Cup events. My goal here is to reach the podium." (Yonhap)
