The Jewish Link of New Jersey and Gotham Burger would like to recognize Kira Fox as this week’s Sportstar of the Week. The 15-year-old native of Englewood, New Jersey, recently completed a 200-hour yoga teacher training course at pure yoga on the Upper West Side. Kira told the JLNJ that she started yoga last year and she practiced regularly three times a week with a combination of group classes and private practices. Her teacher, Trella Dolgin “is inspiring because she combines the physical gains of yoga as well as being present and mindful.” The yoga teacher training course involves learning about the aspects of yoga, the history, the anatomy of the body and most important, how to instruct others at all levels. Kira said that she really enjoyed learning about body alignment and how to be an inspiring teacher.
Kira, as a long time gymnast, what inspired you to pursue yoga?
I chose to pursue this because I wanted to expand my practice and learn how to instruct others. It wasn’t easy because most studios would not accept a 15-year-old into their program. At Pure Yoga, I was their youngest graduate. I enjoy the physical challenge of the difficult poses. As I work to improve upon them, I also learned to remain calm and focused.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my mom because although she works full time, she makes sure that her four children always come first. She also models a healthy lifestyle for us by exercising regularly.
Who is your favorite athlete?
My favorite athlete is Kerri Strug because during the 1996 Summer Olympics she injured her ankle and she continued to compete in gymnastics to help her team win the gold medal. I admire her determination and perseverance.
What is your earliest sports memory?
My first sports memory was my first day at gymnastics when I realized that I wanted to compete as a gymnast.
What is your favorite sports memory?
I have two favorite sports memories. The first was when I was ten years old, I won the gold medal on vault at the states competition for level 4 gymnastics. My second memory was recently when I finished my 200-hour teacher training at Pure Yoga to become certified as a yoga instructor, and realizing how far I have come.
Where can we find you when you are not doing or teaching yoga?
I like to hang out with my friends, sketch and watch T.V.
What is the best thing about being a Sportstar?
I am happy that I can inspire other kids to be active and do what they love.
Congrats Kira! The Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week will receive a $10 gift certificate to Gotham Burger. Please send nominees for next week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week to [email protected]
