The Jewish Link of Bergen County and Gotham Burger would like to recognize 13-year-old Naomi Kutin as this week’s Gotham Burger Sportstar of the Week.
Twelve-year-old Naomi Kutin of Fair Lawn, N.J., has made quite a name for herself as a world-record-smashing powerlifter, garnering accolades like “supergirl” and “strongest girl in the world” in international headlines. Yet the slight girl who recently celebrated her bat mitzvah has also gained a reputation for a very different kind of lifting: raising spirits and funds for the Friendship Circle of Bergen County, where she regularly volunteers to work one-on-one with children who have special needs.
On October 30th the Kutin family will be traveling to Virginia Beach for the Worlds Competition. Naomi and her brother Ari will be competing against over 200 athletes from many countries, including India, Mexico, Israel, Russia, Ukraine, Germany, and the United States.
Probably the most amazing thing about Naomi (aside from her extraordinary talent), is that her ability has not changed her, she is just like any other 13-year-old girl. Her mother, Neshama Kutin, told the JLBC, “Naomi embodies strength, intelligence, love and compassion in one person. We can’t wait to see where she is going! She is a typical teenage girl who enjoys her friends, shopping, playing basketball, chilling with her family and friends.”
Naomi who is your favorite athlete?
Ernie Lillibridge Jr. (A world ranked 220 pound drug free power lifter.)
Role model?
My role models are my parents, honestly! They are kind, funny, loving, supportive, and just wonderful. They have taught me that being myself is a big chesed. Thankfully, they have taught me the importance of keeping myself healthy and hard work. Through them I have learned the real meaning of individual value and, at the same time, the importance of teamwork.
Pregame meal?
This may sound strange, but I love vegetables. I eat 12-15 cups a day! I also like to eat lemon or peppermint Luna bars for protein.
Favorite sports memory?
When I set my first World Record (I have four!). I was only 9 when I set the first all-time women (no age category) record in the squat. I was so happy I couldn’t wait to frame the certificate. I asked my Mom, “What did you get your first World Record in?” She smiled and told me that she didn’t have any World Records. That was the first time that I realized I had really done something remarkable.
Favorite thing to do when you are not competing?
I love to hang out with my younger brother, Ari. He and I are best friends. We watch TV, play games, read, and generally just like doing things together.
Best thing about being a Sportstar?
The best thing about being a Sportstar is having a lot of people from all over the world support me. I have a fan page on Facebook (Naomi “Supergirl” Kutin) and Instagram. My competition videos are on YouTube. There is a documentary being made about me and my family. I hope it will be out in the next year. Right now, it is called Supergirl, the Documentary. It is a very exciting time!
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]
