Pickleball Duo Bring a Major Revolution in Pickleball: Pickleball, once a position sport, has increased in popularity, interesting sports enthusiasts everywhere. Originating in the 1960s, it combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, standing out for its accessibility and smaller court size. As it gains popularity, personalities like Hunter Fieri, son of culinary icon Guy Fieri, and his fiancée, Tara Bernstein, are joining the craze. The couple will host a special pickleball exhibition during Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, aiming to share their passion for the game with fitness and wellness fans and demonstrate that pickleball truly is a sport for everyone.
Hunter Fieri and Tara Bernstein: Pickleball Enthusiasts on a Mission
Hunter Fieri discovered pickleball through his fiancée, Tara Bernstein, and he fell in love with it almost immediately. Hunter recalls,
“I may have played it before in elementary school, but she got me and my dad into it. My dad had two courts built on their ranch, and now I am involved with it as well in between working wholeheartedly with my family’s company, expanding out my wine, HuntRyde Wine, and completing my Masters and the University of Miami.”-(Hunter Fieri)
Guy Fieri even installed two courts on his ranch, showing just how much the sport has become a family affair. When Hunter isn’t involved with the family business or working on his wine he’s spending time on the pickleball court.
“My dad and I can play her two-on-one, and she could play with her left hand, right hand behind her back, and still beat us.”-(Hunter Fieri)
Tara, on the other hand, has been passionate about pickleball for years. A former collegiate athlete, she missed the thrill of competition, and pickleball filled that void. She often competes in tournaments and proudly identifies herself as a “pickleballer.”
“I am a former collegiate athlete. So, I am used to playing in sports m, and I missed competing in a sport. Training for a competition and to have a good game with friends was how it started for me.”-(Bernstein)
Her level of skill keeps Hunter and Guy on their toes, as she often wins, even when they play two against one. For Tara, it’s not just about winning but about sharing the joy and inclusivity of pickleball with others.
“I play in different tournaments and have medaled in a couple, but the journey for me is playing at a high level and being able to spread the love and inclusiveness of the game.”
“It’s something exciting and fun to do and a great way to get exercise in. It’s one of the most diverse and socially acceptable sports in the world.”-(Hunter Fieri)
Bringing Pickleball to the Olympia Weekend
Hunter and Tara’s excitement for pickleball will take center stage at the 2024 Olympia Weekend. This year, they’ll host a pickleball exhibition as part of the Olympia World Fitness Expo, an event traditionally focused on bodybuilding. Hunter, who’s a big fan of the Olympia, feels that adding pickleball aligns perfectly with the event’s mission to promote fitness and fun.
“I am a fan of the Olympia.”
“I am not a bodybuilder myself, but I am a huge CBum fan, I do like Chris Bumstead and watching him is awesome.”-(Hunter Fieri)
Tara, along with her friend and Olympia Media Sales Director, Sofia Evangelista, sees this as a chance to introduce pickleball to a broader audience. She’s excited to see how the sport will resonate with fitness enthusiasts. They even plan to invite a few professional pickleball players to shows their skills. With sponsors like Franklin, Suja Organic, LMNT, Pausmith Group Hospitality, Fulfil Protein Bar, Mothership Productions and Empower Wellness Spa, the event promises to be a memorable one for both pickleball fans and newcomers.
“Part of my mission for promoting pickleball is participating and producing in different events and niches. Doing something like this to the Olympia is super cool, and I think it will be fun to see if we can get a few bodybuilders out on the courts.”
“Ironically, the Olympia is the same weekend as PPA and Major League Pickleball tournaments that are also in Las Vegas. We are hoping that schedules align so some of the pros can stop by.”
“It will be a fun pickleball weekend in Vegas.”-(Bernstein)
News in Brief: Pickleball Duo Bring a Major Revolution in Pickleball
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity, developing from a position sport to a favorite among enthusiasts. Hunter Fieri, son of celebrity chef Guy Fieri, and his fiancée, Tara Bernstein, are passionate about the game and will host a pickleball exhibition at the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas.
Hunter, introduced to pickleball by Tara, enjoys the sport with his family, while Tara, a former collegiate athlete, competes in tournaments and promotes the sport’s inclusivity. Their exhibition aims to show pickleball to fitness fans, featuring professional players and sponsors, making it an exciting addition to the fitness-focused event.
ALSO READ: Pickleball is Changing Lives in Cape Cod Through the Pink Ribbon Fundraiser
