Meet Rory van Ulft, who Foxy's has teamed up with to create this star-dazzling line, The Aurora Collection. It is no surprise that Rory's real name is Aurora, just like the majestic Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, the phenomenon that few have been lucky to witness its' dance in the sky. Rory holds that special kind of sky power that illuminates and inspires all over the world.
We've worked closely along Rory to come up with this perfect performance collection, The Aurora Collection. Each piece was well thought out, Rory wears and loves herself, and there's a personalized message from Rory sewn inside each piece, hoping to inspire you even more!
Read more below to learn more about Rory, and then check out The Aurora Collection and be sure to grab your favorite piece, or grab the entire collection for $25 off!
1. What titles do you hold? What awards have you won?
I'm the reigning Youth (17U), Junior (20U) and senior provincial champion Ontario, Canada, where I hold six 15U and 17U records. I'm also a member of USA Weightlifting, where I've been ranked number 1 nationally in my age and weight category since May 2020. I've won in the 11U and 13U categories at the US National Youth Championships for the last three years straight. I've also won in my age category at the England Championships and the International Women's Weightlifting Grand Prix one time each. As far as we know, at the moment I'm the strongest woman in the world under 40 kg. If it weren't for the current International Weightlifting Federation age minimum of 13 for international competition, my results would have qualified me for the Youth World Championships and I'd have been ranked in the top 10 in the world under 17 each of the last three years.
2. How much do you weigh and how much have you lifted?
At my last weightlifting competition, I weighed 33.3 kg and I totaled 118 kg (49-kg snatch + 67-kg clean & jerk). Since then in training I've snatched 51 kg and clean & jerked 71 kg. I also back-squat 102 kg, front-squat 95 kg, and deadlift 121 kg.
3. How often do you train?
I train in some type of sport pretty much every day. I work with my weightlifting coach twice a week and go to gymnastics practice four days a week, and I get extra work from both sports to complete at home.
4. What are your goals with weightlifting?I just try to take everything one day at a time, one lift at a time, and see what is possible. I watched two of my teammates compete in Tokyo, which has inspired me to find out how far I can go.
5. What are your long term goals in life?
I don't have any long-term goals yet. I'm still only 10, so I hope I have lots of time to figure that out.
6. What is your diet like?
I don't follow any special diet. I just eat the same things as my family and friends. I always finish all my protein at every meal.
7. What other sports do you train in?
Outside of weightlifting and gymnastics, I'm on the volleyball and track teams at my school. I run the 100m and the 4x100m relay.
8. What is your favorite hobby outside of weightlifting or gymnastics?
In my free time I love playing video games with my little brother every chance I get. I relax by building Lego sets and try to keep up with the books my friends at school are reading.
9. What kind of schooling are you in?
I'm in school full-time. They've been very flexible and supportive, helping me stay up-to-date on my school work while I'm away at competitions.
10. Who are your idols?
I've never had sporting idols. I focus on my nearest competitors and my own performances. I just want to be me!
11. What do you want to be when you grow up?
I've always liked science--chemistry in particular. So maybe something that involves that. But I'm not sure yet.
12. What is your morning routine?
I am NOT a morning person. I often have evening gymnastics practices, followed by weightlifting training at home, so I make my morning routine as short as possible. I just get dressed, eat breakfast (I do eat a lot!), and try to get to school on time!
13. If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be?
13. If you could give the world one piece of advice, what would it be?
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do something because of who you are. Do what you like, and never give up!
14. Do you have a specific colour you like to wear for competitions?
14. Do you have a specific colour you like to wear for competitions?
When I started weightlifting, the only singlet we could find that was small enough for me was a boys' "pro wrestler" Halloween costume--plain back. So now, whenever I can, I try to wear the brightest colors and patterns I can find. Most weightlifters wear black, so being different helps me stand out and get noticed!
15. What's packed in your bag on competition days?
15. What's packed in your bag on competition days?
Quite a lot! I bring the "usual" equipment: lifting shoes, thumb tape and scissors, lifting belt, knee wraps, wrist wraps, and lifting straps. I also bring a water bottle and Pez, Lucky Charms marshmallows and gummy candies to keep my energy up during the competition! I pack a fun jacket to wear during athlete introductions, and--most important--my favorite stuffed friend, Lucy the Reindeer, who's been with me at every one of my competitions
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