The International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA) has revealed the 2017 cohort of its Rising Stars initiative.

The IHRSA Rising Stars initiative was founded to showcase young talent – those aged 35 or younger – within the health and fitness sector. Recipients were nominated by employers, peers or colleagues, and finalists were chosen by an IHRSA committee.

A total of 22 industry professionals from across the globe were named at IHRSA’s 36th Annual

International Convention & Trade Show in Los Angeles in March.

The full list was:

• Julia Arquelles, Corporate Fitness Works• Kirsty Byrd, US FItness Group

• Rodrigo Brivio, Bodytech Holding• Jesse Campanaro, Total Gym

• Josh Donovan, GIVE Fitness• Kate Golden, Newtown Athletic Club

• Nastasia Genova, Steve Nash Fitness World• Skye Kaiss, Gold’s Gym

• Carrie Kepple, Les Mills• Shannon Malooly, The Claremont Club

• Garrett Marshall, Fitness on Demand• Silvia Milaschewski, The Abs Company

• Nicole Ness, Am-Finn Sauna and Steam• Jason O’Tash, Healthtrax

• Lindsey Rainwater, fitness entrepreneur• Michael Piermont, EcoFit

• Michael Spiegel, Crunch Fitness• Chelsea Salisbury, HealthQuest

• Ali Svendsen, MVP Sports Clubs• Erica Tillinghast, Precor

• Amber Willsher, Aquafit• Matthew Wright, Healthrax

One of those to have selected, Precor’s global education manager Erica Tillinghast, said the initiative is a great way to recognise the talent within the fitness industry.

“I'm thrilled to have been identified as a Rising Star in recognition for the work I undertake and for what I have achieved,” she said. “The education services at Precor have evolved over the last few years and I have been fortunate to have played a significant role in its growth.”

To find out more about the Rising Stars initiative, click here.