Bikram Yoga members rank in national competition

Kyle Coppa-Cross
Florida Today
Charlie Houck, 11, winner of youth division with men's division winner Eddie Hall.

Athletes from Bikram Yoga on the Island on Merritt Island competed and ranked in the State Games of America competition in early August.

Charlie Houck, 11, ranked first in the Youth Yoga Division.

“Charlie is our youngest yoga champion,” said Suzanne Elliott, owner and director at Bikram Yoga on the Island. “There were many competitors representing Florida.”

The Merritt Island resident regularly attends session at Bikram Yoga on the Island.

Indialantic residents Emily Sabo and her daughter, Tatum Harrison, placed in the top 10 for the women’s and youth divisions. They both were asked to do several demonstrations at the State Games and USA Yoga.

Tatum Harrison (Left) with daughter Emily Sabo.

“I’m very proud of all their efforts,” said Elliott. “They set a goal and created a practice and training plan to meet their goals, just like any good, disciplined athlete does for their sport.”

The State Games of America are a national competition held every year and is at the same caliber as a miniaturized Olympics. The rarity of this opportunity is that this year was the first year that the State Games had yoga as a sport.

“I am proud of the work they put forth and the rewards they reaped from better health, self-improvements and accomplishments,” said Elliott.

Houck competed against eight others in his Division, winning with a score of 32.483.

The yoga winners from each division.

Avalon Theison, 16, from Tampa, placed third as the bronze medalists in the female Youth Division.

“Next for the athletes, is better and longer life from yoga,” said Elliott, “Some may choose to compete again in the next season, which starts this month.”

The Southern regional will be held Jan. 27-28, 2018, in Orlando. Yoga competitors must submit a video entry by the end of November to qualify for the competition.

Contact Coppa-Cross at 321-242-3696

or kcoppacros@floridatoday.com.

Twitter: @coppacross