NowVIZ / KELSEY HART by NowVIZ magazine

INTRO

INTRO AD

In June Kelsey Hart played the CMA Fest, Luke Combs Tailgate party, and made his Grand Ole Opry debut! Additionally current radio single, “Life With You,” off his debut album, Life With You, is climbing the Country charts. This Nashville rising Country star is hot and taking the music scene by storm. Cover photo by Andrea Mead Cross.

INTRO

INTRO AD

FIRST STORY

STORY

SECOND STORY

STORY

THIRD STORY

kelsey

STORY

INTRO

INTRO AD

STORY

ANDREA MEAD CROSS OLYMPIC SERIES

Y3 LATEST DESIGN RELEASE

MONICA PUIG OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST KELSEY HART SINGER AND SONGWRITER

TARYN KLOTH AND KRISTEN NUSS USA OLYMPIC BEACH VOLLEYBALL PAIR

STORY

STORY 1

are one of two US women’s beach volleyball pairs making the trip to the Olympic Games in Paris this summer. It’s their first Olympics and if you know how difficult it is to make an Olympic team in any sport, you’ll appreciate the effort and perseverance—it’s impressive. In this particular case, it’s not nearly as impressive as the behind the scenes story of how the two arrived here. Known as TKN, Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss are not the norm in the beach volleyball world, by any means. Neither are from California, a staple of the sport, or from a beach town of any kind, or have ever trained on the West Coast. It’s kind of an unwritten rule and they defied it. So how did this happen?

Let’s start with Kristen Nuss. She’s 5’6”. Definitely not the height to be a successful beach volleyball player. There’s actually no player listed professionally past or present at a height of 5’6”. She’s from New Orleans and went to Louisiana State University (LSU), not the typical beach volleyball California school route. And then there’s the nay sayers! “No way, no how, not gonna happen, it’s not attainable at your height... you won’t make it.” Why would anyone want to continue with those odds?! Kristen would. In her world, it’s a position she thrives on. Tell her NO and she’ll show you YES. It’s something she loves to do...prove them wrong. She could have chosen any sport according to her older brother—she’s that good. She’s been dubbed the “Stephen Curry” of beach volleyball. Consistently being at the right place at the right time, hitting shots coaches rewind the tape over and over again to see how the shot was possible! This girl is the real deal. While at LSU she was named a 3x All-American, AVCA & NCAA Pair of the Year in 2021, 3x CCSA Pair of the Year, and she amassed 139 victories in her career at LSU, making her the winningest player in NCAA collegiate beach volleyball history. That’s impressive.

Then there’s Taryn Kloth at 6’4” from Sioux City Falls, South Dakota. She joined LSU’s program as a graduate student in 2020 and essentially started beach volleyball from scratch. She did play indoor volleyball at Creighton University and was a Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, a two-time first-team All-BIG EAST performer, and an honorable mention All-American. But now it was “beach” volleyball, a totally different animal and surface - sand. “I couldn’t walk and chew gum in the sand,” Kloth said. “It was, totally embarrassing.” She was hitting balls in and under the net. “They probably think I suck!” And before she actually committed to this new challenge, she thought long and hard—was it all worth it? It was and the work began.

Then COVID hit. It was a new day.

But instead of falling prey to the pandemics fallout, Taryn and her LSU teammate Kristen Nuss decided they wanted to continue to train, to use the down time to get better. So day in and day out they pushed. Their coach Drew Hamilton took the two under his wing and molded them to the next level. The two girls followed whatever training tactics he threw at them. They even trained at a local bar in town that had a beach volleyball venue; it was the only sand available during the pandemic. They did whatever they had to do to move forward. And when daily life returned, they emerged as a top level pair and began to crawl up the US ladder.

For starters, they were on a standby reserve list for a tournament in Australia. And at the very last minute a positive Covid test opened up one final qualifying spot. The girl’s took it and paid $8,000 out-of-pocket just for the travel. They also knew that one loss in the win-or-go-home qualifier could send them packing. But they ended up winning seven matches in a row that got them into the main draw. And ended up winning that too! “I couldn’t freaking breathe — I was so nervous,” Kloth said. “But you bet on yourself and you tell yourself, No, we can do this.”

And as the pair head to Paris, Nuss is listed as the shortest player to play in any Olympics since 1996 and Kloth at 6’4” makes the pair’s height difference the largest of any Olympic team ever. Again, the odds are stacked and it’s where they revel. It’s their comfort zone. And their positive outlook, committed work ethic, and believing in themselves has so far equaled undeniable success. We can’t wait to watch them play in Paris. They’ve already rewritten the script a few times and we’re betting they can do it again.

KRISTEN NUSS AND TARYN KLOTH

ACTION

NowVIZ: Hey (TKN)Taryn Kloth and Kristen Nuss! You two have been playing together since 2021, which is an extremely short time to currently be ranked second in the world! That’s incredible. Would you talk about how this came together and how it’s going?

TKN: We paired up at LSU (Louisiana State University) during our senior year and had a tremendous season. From there we set out to participate on the AVP Pro- beach tour and see how we could fare against the best in the US. We entered a qualifier and won our very first AVP event. We set out on the FIVB international tour with the intention of seeing how well we could do against the best in the world, and put ourselves into the Olympic qualifying program, which fortunately for us has turned out great!

NowVIZ: How have you two prepared this summer as you head to the Olympic Games in Paris?

TKN: We have a well-structured training and competition schedule. We’re able to balance this with life and family. We will be traveling to Gstaad in early July as a tune-up preparing for the Paris Olympics.

NowVIZ: You both have been challenged in this sport in many ways. Would you discuss some of those obstacles and what adjustments, if any, you’ve had to overcome?

TKN: (Taryn), I spent much of my athletic career playing indoor volleyball, so the transition to the beach was as exciting as it was frustrating. Fortunately, I was in the right place at the right time (LSU) to meet up with Kristen, who helped me adapt to the beach game quickly. On top of that, our current coach, and LSU assistant coach, Drew Hamilton, fast-tracked me into the player I am today.

(Kristen), When I started out in New Orleans playing with my brothers who were quite good, most of the girls were playing indoors. So, I had to compete with the boys. This turned out to be the best development program I could have had. Also, living in New Orleans, where most of the beach competition (juniors) was in California and Florida, I had to find ways to compete locally which made me more appreciative of the game and the competition.

set in Los Angeles with TARYN KLOTH and KRISTEN NUSS.

KRISTEN NUSS

“We don’t a hiccup players

don’t take ourselves too seriously where we allow hiccup here and there to derail our goal of being the best players in the world.”

NowVIZ: What has been the most difficult aspect of international competition?

TKN: The traveling is challenging. The competition is at a very high level. The stakes (i.e. qualifying for the Olympics) raise the intensity of every match.

NowVIZ: Would you talk about your current coach, Drew Hamilton, who has been on this journey with you since college and his impact on your performance heading into Paris?

TKN: Drew, simply put, has a gift when it comes to maximizing someone’s ability. He is blunt, passionate, and a bit of a savant in anticipating what’s next or needed to become a champion. He has prepared us for this moment. He will prepare others in the future.

NowVIZ: As top athletes, how do you both stay on top of your game physically?

TKN: We like to train. Practice on the court is work, yet we keep it fun. We are dedicated to both working out in the gym as well as recharging physically and mentally. We have been playing volleyball for some time and we thoroughly enjoy all the aspects of the game and preparation.

NowVIZ: How do you both mentally prepare, going into competition?

TKN: We know what we are capable of doing. We know that we aren’t always going to achieve the goals we set for ourselves each tournament. We don’t take ourselves too seriously where we allow a hiccup here and there to derail our goal of being the best players in the world.

NowVIZ: How do you both fuel your bodies nutritionally throughout the year? Is there a specific diet or regime you follow?

TKN: We both focus on a high-protein diet. We love making food at our apartment and love to discover new higher protein, lower calorie meals with a lot of volume.

TARYN KLOTH

NowVIZ: Give us a slice of what you both like to do during downtime.

TKN: We enjoy watching movies or running through an old series. Over the past couple of months, you could find us binge-watching “Scandal” or “Revenge.” We also thoroughly enjoy trying new restaurants and mainly coffee shops.

Olympic gold medalist DAVID VERBERG

“After years of shooting professional and Olympic athletes, I guess you could say it’s become a specialty. And I think the most interesting thing about the short time I have with these athletes is that I always end up feeling some sort of connection. It’s probably due to my own background as a world-class athlete, first as a swimmer, and then as a professional triathlete. It was a life of training and competing against the best in the world and it’s given me the ability to have direct insight into the athletes I now work with. It’s that immediate bond most people can’t understand. And through the years there have been many athletes that have impressed with their accomplishments, but more impressive was the character that defined them. Hope you enjoy the pics.”

-Andrea Mead Cross

STORY

STORY 2

MISTY MAY-TREANOR, Three-time Olympian, beach volleyball, and three-time Olympic gold medalist.

“Misty was one of the greatest beach volleyball players of all-time. And through the height of her career she was also one of the most gracious and humble athletes I had the opportunity to work with. We had fun! She was just as amazing off the beach as she was on the beach. A truly exceptional human being and I’m grateful to her for our time.”

SAM MIKULAK, Three-time Olympian gymnast

JESSICA HARDY, Olympian, swimming, and two-time Olympic medalist.

LAURYN WILLIAMS, Four-time Olympian, track and field, and bobsleigh, and three-time Olympic medalist.

“Oksana unknowingly made me understand and appreciate what perseverance and human resilience truly means. Her story is so incredibly hard to absorb and to learn how she fought for her own survival is something unimaginable. She is the example of success in so many catagories. And to have had the fortitude to push beyond the circumstances she was given is incomprehensible. As a seven-time Paralympian and seventeen Paralympian medalist she’s a role model for all.”

TONY AZEVEDO, Five-time Olympian, water polo, and Olympic silver medalist.

“Tony is a fighter. He’s a five-time Olympian and a silver medalist that seemed to have had the ability to win games single handily - he was just that good! But I think what has always impressed me most about Tony is what a compassionate man he is. He spends time helping those in need, and that includes helping animals that can’t help themselves.”

TONY AZEVEDO

ANNA TUNNICLIFFE, Olympian sailing and Olympic gold medalist.

WALTER DIX, Olympian, track and field, and two-time Olympic medalist.

LAURA KRAUT, Two-time Olympian, equestrian, and two-time Olympic medalist.

LAURA KRAUT and CEDRIC

RYAN LOCHTE, Four-time Olympian, swimming, and twelve-time Olympic medalist.

BETHANIE MATTEK-SANDS, Two-time Olympian, tennis doubles, and Olympic gold medalist.

JASON RICHARDSON, Olympian, track and field, and Olympic silver medalist.

“Dara Torres was truly a groundbreaking athlete. She was one of the first swimmers to break down the walls of age, its limitations, and how one redefines the script. And in the sport of swimming dominated by younger athletes, Dara at 41 years old made her fifth Olympic team. The feat was unheard of. It literally shook the swimming community to its core. She definitely defined at that time, “Age Is Just A Number.” It was a wonderful opportunity and experience to have worked with Dara.”

DARA TORRES, Five-time Olympian, swimming, and twelve-time Olympic medalist.

KERRI WALSH-JENNER, Four-time Olympian, beach volleyball, and four-time Olympic medalist.

“How ironic that an Olympic gold medalist and one of the fastest men on the planet shows up to his photo shoot with a turtle... her name was Munchie. David had rescued Munchie from the middle of a busy Atlanta intersection. The video of the rescue had gone viral with over 7 million views! And that’s when Ellen DeGeneres’ team called. They wanted David on The Ellen Show! Ellen loves helping animals and she awarded David the “Gold Medal Tortoise” for his rescue efforts and presented him with a check for $10,000 to help start his turtle foundation! I really enjoyed talking to David. We ended up having a lot in common, as we’re both adopted and had similar stories to share. We had an awesome day.“

DAVID VERBERG, Olympian ,track and field, and Olympic gold medalist.

TAYLOR PHINNEY, Three-time Olympian cycling.

TAYLOR PHINNEY

Feature story

story Kelsey

If by chance Kelsey Hart is not already on your playlist, you’re definitely missing something special. This Nashville singer-songwriter has broken through the noise and is off and running up the country charts. His recent title track, “Life With You” is the opening song from the 15-track record, Life With You that debuted in the top 10 on Billboard‘s Country Digital Songs chart and went viral on all social media platforms. The summer song also notched the No. 1 spot on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Weekend Countdown. And this past June, Hart opened LUKE COMBS Tailgate Party, played the CMA Fest, and had his debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

Originally from a small town in western Kentucky, he grew up on gospel. As a kid into dirt bike racing, his dad would drive him an hour each way to the track. During those car rides gospel music was on the radio non-stop. And whatever song that played Kelsey would challenge himself to sing all parts—the tenor, bass, and lead. “I grew up singing from the time I was old enough to talk. I loved church singing and doing talent shows.”

As he was finishing high school, Hart started a country band. They played a couple years and at one point ended up winning a battle of the bands contest. The prize won them a trip to Nashville to record their first EP. “The first time we ever played live, we played for a pretty big crowd in my hometown. I was probably 19 or 20, and it was the first time I ever thought “wow” I might be able to do this and get paid?!” But the Nashville experience also made Hart realize how important songwriting was. “I had never written a song before 20 or 21 and we pretty much sat down and literally came up with four songs. They probably didn’t make a ton of sense at the time, but it was a big deal to get the opportunity to go to Nashville and record them.”

The Nashville trip was one experience that got Hart hooked. He decided to dedicate himself and made the move to Nashville. He searched for the right people and atmosphere to write songs, while also working his side job as a barber. The music business behind the scenes can be hard work, long hours, low times, and full of rejection—there are no short cuts. And after several years of writing and putting his vocals on demos he eventually positioned himself to be at the right place at the right time. He was acknowledged as both singer and songwriter, and offered a record deal with Curb Records.

As one of the newest members of the Curb Records family, Kelsey has quickly established himself as a sought-after co-writer, vocalist, and artist on the rise. He is among the best and brightest in the songwriting community, penning songs for hitmakers such as Jake Owen, Dylan Scott, and Trace Adkins. In addition to his songwriting prowess, Kelsey’s own artistry—which has amassed 64 million global streams—is making an impact as the launch of his current radio single, “Life With You” has garnered over 364M TikTok views, 538K TikTok Creates, and was named one of Billboard’s 5 Must-Hear New Country Songs. Hart’s previously-released debut EP, “Give You Mine”, marked Hart’s official foray into the artist spotlight, a place he’s dreamed of being since his days going to the dirt bike track and singing gospel music in his dad’s truck.

So update that playlist and keep your eyes and ears open for Kelsey Hart. More new music is in the works, and a new song is slated for release this October. Hart is just getting started and is here to stay.

CONCERT

CONCERT PIC

PHOTO CREDIT: Alanna McArdle

NowVIZ: You’ve released some incredible work this year. And one of your latest songs, “Life With You” has garnered over 201M TikTok views, 346K TikTok Creates, and debuted in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Digital Songs Chart! Would you talk about your journey to this point?

Kelsey: My journey really started as a kid, singing in church and talent shows. I never really thought at that point that it would turn into what it has.

I had the opportunity in 2016 to come to Nashville and work with the best songwriters in town. That really helped me figure out who I am as an artist and as a writer. I learned so much about myself as a person and musician during those first few years in Nashville. That was the foundation of where I’m at today.

NowVIZ: Would you discuss growing up in Kentucky and singing gospel at church as a kid? What influence, if any, has it had on your songwriting and singing now as a professional?

Kelsey: A lot of my childhood was spent racing dirt bikes. My dad would drive me an hour each way to the track and home. He would have quartet gospel music, specifically Gold City, on repeat. That was the start of me wanting to be a singer. I remember trying to sing all the parts; the tenor, the bass, and the lead.

I grew up in a fairly small town in Western Kentucky. I have country roots and those taught me how to treat people. I grew up hunting and fishing in a part of the country that feels laid back compared to big city life. I think I reach back to those small-town memories as a singer-songwriter often.

On set in Nashville with KELSEY HART and photographer Andrea Mead Cross.

NowVIZ: You recently played LUKE COMBS Tailgate Party in Phoenix! Tell us how that went.

Kelsey: First of all, it was an honor to be a part of anything Luke Combs is doing. It was a great time and a really well-run event. I was so impressed by how everybody treated us. From start to finish, people were kind and excited about country music. Luke and his openers put on a great show. I was really thankful to be there.

NowVIZ: You’re slated to play Grand Ole Opry on June 28th. It’s such an honor and recognition of your incredible talent! Can you describe your thoughts?

Kelsey: In 2012, I watched the Grand Ole Opry for the first time. I remember telling myself that day that though I didn’t know what I had to do or what had to happen to sing on that stage, I had to figure out how to do it. When I got the phone call that I was invited to play on the stage it was an overwhelming and fulfilling moment.

As I reflect back on myself in 2012 and every forward and backward step from then until now, it feels so full circle. I realize I had no idea the hard work and dedication it would take to bring me to my Grand Ole Opry debut. It feels like perfect timing and I’m ready. I’m really proud and honored.

NowVIZ: Your label Curb Records has been an integral part of your launch into the music business. Will you talk about the partnership and how it’s enhanced your career to date?

Kelsey: Over time, just like with anything, you learn about people and the business. Throughout my time at the label, I’ve built strong relationships with my Curb family. There are so many roles that people play and they work hard for me. I really feel supported and believed in. I truly believe my partnership with Curb Records has elevated every part of what I’m doing.

“As I reflect back on myself in 2012 and every forward and backward step from then until now, it feels so full circle. I realize I had no idea the hard work and dedication it would take to bring me to my Grand Ole Opry debut.”

CONCERT

CONCERT PIC

PHOTO CREDIT: Alanna McArdle

“There are so many roles that people play and they work hard for me. I really feel supported and believed in. I truly believe my partnership with Curb Records has elevated every part of what I’m doing.”

BTS CONCERT

BTS or CONCERT

NowVIZ: Would you talk about your songwriting process, and how you’re inspired to write?

Kelsey: For me, songwriting always starts with an idea. Whether that stems from a personal experience or from a story we songwriters want to tell, the most important part is to take the listener into that story. I want people to listen to a song and be able to not only understand what’s being said, but also feel and relate to it. I want to make music that resonates with all different kinds of people and that’s what inspires me to write.

NowVIZ: You’ve written songs for Jake Owen and Dylan Scott, and recently landed the song “Live It Lonely” on Trace Atkins’ new record, The Way I Wanna Go - congratulations! Will you talk about the experience and how the opportunities came about?

Kelsey: The Jake Owen song was one of the first songs I was a part of writing when I came to Nashville. It was one of those situations where I was very fortunate to be in a room of experienced songwriters with a song idea that Jake Owen was excited about.

After that, I was writing for my record and we wrote a song that’s called “Hell Out Of Me”. Dylan is a signed artist at Curb and loved the song. He recorded it and I’m super thankful that he did. It was a great stepping stone for me as a writer.

And then, “Live it Lonely” was on Trace Atkins’s 25th Anniversary Record. It’s still one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written and I’ll always be proud of it. Having Trace Atkins and his team think highly enough of the song to cut it for his anniversary record was really special.

NowVIZ: Every top talent seems to have or has had a mentor, friend, or someone in their corner to offer guidance. We wondered if you do and how have they helped.

Kelsey: I would say that along my way in Nashville over the last 8 years there have been so many writers, producers, musicians, and friends that have influenced and guided me. Nashville is such a tight-knit community and once you get into the country music circle, it feels like a supportive family that learns and grows from each other.

NowVIZ: What motivates and inspires you to get up and going every day?

Kelsey: I think trying to beat the version of myself that I was yesterday as a writer, artist, and, more than anything, as a person, motivates and inspires me the most. I remind myself contantly, even through the seemingly low points and frustrations, how lucky I am to do country music for a living. I try to be intentional about enjoying where I’m at in my career and life at the same time as working towards my goals.

NowVIZ: Give us a slice of what you like to do during downtime.

Kelsey: During downtime my favorite thing to do is spend time with my wife and family. I love to be out on a lake, cooking out at home, or going out to eat. I’m a big corn hole and darts guy and have recently picked up playing golf and enjoy that as well.

NowVIZ: Is there anything coming up or in the works you’d like to share?!

Kelsey: I’m always writing and looking for songs for the next project. I can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on. Following my album release, I’m out of the road performing live shows and on a radio tour.

indian

indian AD

short addition

ADIDAS AND YOHJI

addition story

YAMAMOTO INTRODUCE

LATEST Y-3 ATELIER COLLECTION

Adidas and Yohji Yamamoto return to present their second Y-3 Atelier collection, which boldly expresses the label’s DNA by fusing craftsmanship of Yohji Yamamoto and innovation of adidas.

Conceptualized as the most crystalised execution of Y-3’s vision, the exclusive Y-3 Atelier apparel and footwear line is an elevated craft-focused offering that advances an approach to production drivpinen by skill and undeterred dedication.

For its second collection, Y-3 Atelier introduces a suite of elegantly tailored pieces which blend adidas’ performance heritage with Yohji Yamamoto’s avant-garde design vision. The collection takes original Yohji Yamamoto and Yohji Yamamoto POUR HOMME designs that are from the runway show and recreates them in fully seam sealed waterproof 3-layer GORE-TEX® material constructions, while maintaining the signature silhouette of the original designs. Featuring extended seams and flap pockets, the selection of monochromatic black vests, coats, parkas, blousons, jackets, and blazers comes replete with reflective logos – reframing the signature Yohji Yamamoto aesthetic for an entirely new context.

Accompanying the launch of the collection is a series of still images captured by photographer Thue Nørgaard which convey the inherent dynamism of each piece.

Launching Spring 2024, the latest Y-3 Atelier collection is available through select Yohji Yamamoto & Yohji Yamamoto POUR HOMME stores, WILDSIDE Yohji Yamamoto online & store, via a curated selection of global retailers and in Y-3 stores.

NATURE AND THE CITY COLLIDE.

Y-3 brings sport-style to the street. Fueled by the innovations of adidas and expressed in the style of Yohji Yamamoto, Y-3 creates progressive apparel, footwear, and accessories – a vision driven by both the sports icon and the renowned designer. Founded in 2002, Y-3 established the category of fashion sportswear – one that it continues to redefine. Nineteen years later, Y-3’s signature style combines engineered garments and intensive performance with Yamamoto’s singular elegance and strong tailoring. The result is a modern uniform of the streets – designed in Japanese and German ateliers and intended for the world.

Adidas continues to explore the concept of Contra-Natural, The latest drop brings together the synthetic environment of the city and the body’s natural flow.

Fueled by the innovations of adidas and expressed in the style of Yohi Yamamoto - a vision driven.

We’re all part of history, but not everyone gets to make it. Monica Puig is one of the few. On the center court at Barra Olympic Park during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, the Puerto Rican tennis player won her country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.

No one foresaw it. Puig, then 22 years old and ranked 34th in the world, had yet to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final. Yet, she made it to the Olympic final and then the top tier of the podium, defeating three other Grand Slam champions—Garbine Muguruza, Petra Kvitova, and Germany’s world No. 2 Angelique Kerber—along the way.

“I just achieved one of my biggest dreams,” she told media at the time. “I’m just so happy I was able to be the first Puerto Rican woman to win a medal at the Games, and not just any medal... the gold medal.”

The history-making didn’t stop there. Puig was also the first unseeded woman to win an Olympic gold medal in tennis and the first Latin American champion to take home gold in tennis singles.

Puig received her first tennis racket from her mother, Astrid Marchán, at six years old. Her mom, a keen tennis player, wanted her daughter to enjoy the game as much as she did. However, Puig’s talent soon surpassed recreational play. By eight, she was competing in junior tournaments, and at sixteen, she turned pro. The following year, she reached the finals of the Australian Open and the French Open juniors.

Although her career progression felt slow, she was a consistent qualifier at WTA Tour events and won medals at other competitions, including gold at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games and silver at the 2011 Pan American Games. By the end of 2013, Puig, ranked 87th, was one of only two U.S. Latinos in the Top 100.

Over the next few years, Puig’s ranking continued to rise. Yet by the time of her Olympic debut in Rio 2016, few expected the ambitious player from Puerto Rico to seize gold.

But on that day, Puig was unstoppable. After achieving the unimaginable, she was awarded Best Female Athlete in Rio 2016 by the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC).

However, the path for history-makers is rarely easy. Over the next few years, shoulder injuries impacted her form. In 2022, after losing in the first round to American Danielle Collins at the Madrid Open, she made the heartbreaking decision to retire at 28. “I would’ve loved to retire on my own terms, but sometimes life has other plans and we have to open new doors that lead to exciting possibilities,” she said.

One of those new doors was commentating for ESPN and the Tennis Channel. Another came through Athleta, who asked her to be an ambassador for their Power of She Collective, a group of elite women athletes engaged in philanthropy and advocacy to break barriers for women and girls in sports.

It was a huge honor for Puig. Still, she missed competing and pushing her body to its limits. That’s when her fiancé, Nathan Rakitt, a fellow tennis player and avid marathon runner, asked her to join him on a 5-mile run. It was another opening door: Puig quickly fell in love with long-distance running.

In 2022, the former Olympic gold medalist completed the New York City Marathon in just over 4.5 hours, cheered on by her Puerto Rican fans. A few days later, Puig and Rakitt married, and soon after, ran the London Marathon. Their plan this year is to run all six major marathons with a few Ironman events thrown in. Puig couldn’t be happier.

“I wanted to prove to myself that I could excel at something that wasn’t just tennis,” she said in an ESPN interview. “Now I’m proving to myself that I can accomplish something big again, after [leaving the sport] I was born and destined to do.”

NowVIZ: You’ve retired from professional tennis, and now that you’re on the other side, was it easy to leave? What does that experience as a whole mean to you now, and what were some of the learning curves you were able to conquer, overcome, and continue working on?

Monica: Leaving professional tennis was incredibly hard. The hardest thing about it was not leaving on my own terms. Due to injury, I was forced to retire after four surgeries on my right arm and it was hard when I thought I still had a good 5–6 years ahead of me.

However, dealing with all of that adversity has made me a much stronger person, mentally and emotionally. I had to learn how to make lemonade when life threw me those lemons! I was also able to transition into a new role in broadcasting, which kept me and is keeping me incredibly busy, and I can also continue to stay close to the sport I love so much.

NowVIZ: You ranked as high as 27th in the world in tennis, which is a huge achievement. Now you’ve ventured into a new sport, that of marathons and triathlons! What was the initial attraction to each sport, and how has your training changed from tennis?

Monica: Getting into marathons and triathlon was something that I never expected to do, to be honest. While I was injured with my shoulder, I started running because it felt like a great outlet to clear my head. I was constantly stressed and worried about my comeback. Plus, I was living in Arizona at the time, and going outdoors was gorgeous. So, I started finding scenic running routes and hiking a whole bunch. Then I signed up for a half marathon, and it kinda turned into something!

Once I retired from tennis, I ran the NYC Marathon with my husband a week before our wedding (crazy, I know!), and then it was actually his idea to attempt Ironman. I thought he was crazy, but after putting in so much time running, the idea of adding swimming and biking into the mix seemed fun! Little did I know, though, that it would become my ultimate obsession!

Monica Puig for Athleta. Photo credit: @Athleta

NowVIZ: You are currently commentating for ESPN Deportes and Tennis Channel. Would you talk about the experience, and what do you enjoy most about the role?

Monica: It was always clear to me that I wanted to work in broadcasting post-tennis. I loved being in front of the camera, and I felt like I had a lot to offer when it came to talking about the game. I really enjoy watching tennis through a different lens. When I was playing, there are so many emotions that go into watching matches or your opponents, but when you take a step back and set the emotions aside, you get to view tennis for what it is. You get to appreciate the strategies and the incredible shot-making while also adding your opinions, and I love being able to talk about how I view the game. I also have a great group of co-workers that I get to learn from during every single broadcast, and I feel like I can improve so much by just being in the same room with them and listening to what they have to say.

NowVIZ: You’ve been chosen to be a part of Athleta’s Power of She Collective Movement, which is essentially a select group of top athletes currently in all phases of life, navigating the challenges we all face daily to be at our best! Will you talk about your role and what it is about Athleta that inspires you to represent the brand?

Monica: Being a part of Athleta’s Power of She Collective Movement has been monumental. Not only do I get to represent a super high-quality brand, but a brand that supports women in every single phase of life. Athleta picked me up right as I announced my retirement, and they didn’t hesitate in saying that they supported me, which made me feel super special! I have gotten to know all of the women in the collective well, and it is just such an amazing group of super women who are all doing incredible things! I love that we have all gotten to support each other and be a tremendous hype team.

“Leaving professional tennis was incredibly hard. However, dealing with all of that adversity has made me a much stronger person, mentally and emotionally. I had to learn how to make lemonade when life threw me those lemons!”

NowVIZ: As a top athlete, how do you stay on top of your game physically?

Monica: Physically, I believe in movement. Even on my off days, if I am not doing some kind of movement, my body doesn’t feel good. I crave even the simplest of workouts just to keep my body loose and strong. I think that having goals to work towards makes things easier as well. Being strong and healthy is always something that I strive for.

NowVIZ: How do you mentally prepare yourself on a daily basis? Including your training, commentating, upcoming competitions, etc.?!

Monica: It is very difficult to balance my work, travel, and training. I have found it even tougher now that I am preparing for more races and exhibition matches, but I try and organize myself every single night to set my next day up for success. I believe that if I have a plan, then I am headed in the right direction. I have a great team of producers that I rely on to help me out at work, and I also have my amazing support system at home to help me with life. Also, my superstar coach and teammates help me out when it comes to training. It takes a village, and knowing that I have the support I need to be successful makes me feel great.

NowVIZ: How do you fuel your body nutritionally throughout the year? Is there a specific diet or regime you follow?

Monica: Honestly, nutrition is something that I have always struggled with. I never really had any kind of structure or plan. However, now I have a nutritionist who helps me learn about food and how I can fuel my body to have both energy and strength. I also pay attention to my body and what it asks me for. I love eating healthy because my body feels clean, and in turn, it rewards me with being able to take on my workload with ease.

NowVIZ: You are the first Olympic athlete representing Puerto Rico to win a gold medal in any sport! You won gold in the Tennis Singles at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Can you describe that moment and feeling?

Monica: Winning the gold medal is something that I won’t be able to describe in great detail because the feelings were so much stronger than words can ever tell. But it was euphoric. Imagine your whole life or career flashing before your eyes while you try to comprehend what the heck just happened.

I didn’t know how to feel initially. But once I looked at my team’s reaction after the match and heard the crowd going wild, the feelings just overflowed. I just felt insanely grateful to experience that moment because it was far beyond my wildest dreams.

Rio Olympic Games tennis singles gold medalist, Monica Puig.

Monica and photographer Andrea Mead Cross on location in Los Angeles.

NowVIZ: What motivates and inspires you to get up and going every day?

Monica: I have always been very goal-oriented. I love having something to work for. Whether it is getting ahead in my job or working to PR at races, once I set my mind to something, I feel like it is tough to stop me.

NowVIZ: Give us a slice of what you like to do during down time.

Monica: During my downtime, I love to read, do some writing, and watch some movies or TV series. I love spending time with my husband and our two corgis at home as well. Being home is the best for me since I am not home too often. I love making coffee, sitting on the couch with them, and spending quality time with them too. I also really love to bake, which is a bit of therapy for me! I make fresh pasta at home, fresh bread, pizza, banana bread, you name it! I’m the baker, and my husband is the chef!

NowVIZ: Is there an upcoming event you’re currently training for? And if so, when and where?

Monica: I have several upcoming races! In the near future, I have a 70.3 in Ohio, which is a tuning race before my biggest test – the VinFast Ironman World Championship in Nice, France. I never thought that my first full Ironman race would be a World Championship race, and I am super excited. I have been building up my workouts and tolerance to be able to not only survive but thrive. That is the real goal for me. After the World Champs, my next goals are to qualify for the 70.3 World Championships next year in Marbella and - the Ironman World Championships in Kona in 2025.

MUSIC

KRISTEN NUSS, OLYMPIAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Benson Boone has been a big-go to at the moment along with the ever-dependent Luke Combs. Additionally, when I need a little motivation to finish a workout, I turn on my brother’s song “Golden,” which has not officially been released yet.

TARYN KLOTH, OLYMPIAN BEACH VOLLEYBALL

We both share an AirPod and a shared playlist on game day! It ranges anywhere from a song from musicals to country and today’s top hits.

KELSEY HART, SINGER AND SONGWRITER

Right now if you had the audio to my headphones you’d hear The Bellamy Brothers, Three Days Grace, Blake Shelton, Cody Johnson, and a lot of 2000s rock.

MONICA PUIG, OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

I love all kinds of genres of music, so my playlists are always a mix of whatever is hot at the moment, as well as some country music, and gotta show love to Spanish music with some reggaeton too!