American duo Kemi and Kimani Blake achieved success at the World Yogasana Championships in Ahmedabad. Kemi, aged 35, won gold in the Back Bend Individual category, while her 16-year-old daughter Kimani secured bronze in the Junior Artistic Individual event. Their training in Ahmedabad at a Sports Authority of India (SAI) center added significance to their accomplishments.
Kemi initially pursued yoga to support her dream of becoming a professional contortionist. Over time, yoga transformed from a supplementary practice into a life-changing discipline for her. She expressed surprise at her success in the championships, encouraged by a fellow player and coaches from India.
Yoga evolved beyond physical improvement for Kemi, providing her with purpose and stability. She completed a one-year yoga certification course and developed her coaching program focused on healing and self-discovery. Inspired by her mother, Kimani, who was already involved in gymnastics and dance, took up yoga seriously and won a bronze medal at the championships.
The duo arrived in Ahmedabad early to train with Indian coaches and adapt to the competitive nature of yogasana. They received support and guidance from both coaches and fellow competitors, fostering a strong bond with India and the global yogasana community. Kemi aspires to see yogasana recognized at the Olympics in the future.
