Malayali girl conquers Berlin ‘HYROX’

Eleven-year-old Janiya Robin, a Kerala girl based in Bengaluru, is proving that age is just a number if one puts in hard work and firm self-confidence. This little star has become India's pride on the ‘HYROX’ competition stage, which is gaining traction among fitness enthusiasts worldwide. Janiya is also the only Indian child who participated in the ‘HYROX Youngstars’ international fitness competition held in Berlin, Germany. Janiya, a sixth-grade student at Christ CISCE School in Bengaluru, reached the international arena of athletic prowess through rigorous training.

What is HYROX?
HYROX is a ‘fitness racing’ competition that is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide. It tests athletes' strength, endurance, and speed simultaneously. Its structure involves alternating between running specific distances and performing intense functional workouts. HYROX competitions for adults have only been held in India for 2 years. However, HYROX competitions for children do not currently exist in India. That is why Janiya's achievement in Berlin is unparalleled.

Following in her father's footsteps
The main inspiration behind Janiya's fitness interests is her father, Robin John. The curiosity she developed watching her father do HYROX workouts led her to the gym. Janiya's interest grew as her father explained the challenges of HYROX. Subsequently, Janiya began intensive training during her two-month school vacation. When she asked her father whether such competitions existed for children, she learned about the ‘HYROX Youngstars’ in Germany and began her strenuous training for it.

The special diet
Janiya's preparations for the competition were not easy. As a ten-year-old, she adopted a life of strict discipline. Chocolates, junk foods, and sugary foods were completely avoided. Her mother, Jeethu, prepared a nutritious, well-balanced diet plan that met her daughter's needs. This little star also performed intense workouts every morning and evening.

‘Initially, I had slight doubts about whether she could complete this. But when she achieved it through a proper diet and rigorous training sessions in the morning and evening, I felt immense surprise and pride,’ said mother Jeethu to Manorama Online.

The battle in Berlin
Janiya competed in the 10-11 age group at a competition for children aged 8 to 15. Janiya recalls participating in the competition with complete enjoyment. The competition for children included a running race and intense high-intensity workouts in between. In total, the competition consisted of three running races, each one kilometre long, followed by eight workout sets.

Although she experienced severe body pain in the beginning, Janiya overcame it all through consistent training. The school principal and teachers apparently provided great support for her participation in the competition. With the resumption of school classes, Janiya has now adjusted her workouts to three days a week. Besides gym training, dance is another of Janiya's interests.

‘If I can, you too can,'
Jeniya says that through this achievement, she has become stronger and gained new energy. ‘Believe in yourself, never be afraid to try new things. Dream big, work hard, and never give up. Always stay active and healthy... If I can do it, you can definitely do it too,’ is what Janiya has to say to children and youth worldwide.

The new goal
Robin John and his family, natives of Vaikom, Kottayam, currently reside in Bengaluru. Her mother's name is Jeethu Robin, and Roniya Robin is Janiya's sister. With her victory in Berlin, Janiya is not ending her journey. This little star is in the next phase of preparations to represent India in the upcoming international HYROX Youngstars competitions to be held in the UK in October and in the USA in December.