Kimi Werner: Tender Belly Athlete Feature

Kimi Werner: Tender Belly Athlete Feature

Before she became a champion spearfisher, celebrated chef, and passionate environmental advocate, Kimi Werner was just a kid growing up in rural Maui, living simply and gathering food straight from the land and sea. It wasn’t glamorous—it was life. But those early lessons in sustainability, connection to nature, and respect for resources would shape her journey in ways few could imagine. Today, Kimi’s life and work are a powerful reminder that where we come from—and how we honor it—can change the world.

Kimi says, "My mission to live a simple beautiful life, very close and very connected to the natural sources of my fundamental needs."

Rapid Fire Questions

What sports/activities do you participate in?
Spearfishing and freediving 

Some causes/non-profits that you support?
Paepae o He'eiaSustainable Coastlines, Mālama Pūpūkea-WaimeaKokua Foundation

What's your favorite bacon recipe or way to enjoy bacon?
Straight up!

If you had to eat one food/dish daily for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Veggie sandwich 

Name a bacon-wrapped food or dish with bacon that you can't resist:
Duck poppers 

What’s one word or phrase that encapsulates the essence of your approach to life or work?
Passion

What is the last thing you Googled?
New Zealand declaration form 

What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever had?
Freediving spearfisher woman 

What's something most people don't know about you?
I love to rhyme 

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
Breathe underwater 

What actress would play you in a movie?
Katie Holmes 

Name a song you can sing every single word to:
Don't go chasing waterfalls 

One thing you can’t live without?
Water

If you could have a 1 hour conversation with anyone (living or deceased) who would it be?
Rell Sunn

What has been your biggest struggle and what advice do you have for someone facing the same struggle?
Shame. Embrace it and love yourself through it.

How do you stay motivated and focused during tough times, and what advice would you give to aspiring athletes who are struggling to stay on track?
Struggle is the birthplace for the next better level 

How do you define happiness, and have you found it?
Finding the magic in what you have, and yes.

What do you think is the biggest misconception people have about your sport, and how would you like to change that perception?
We kill carelessly without respect to the environment. Spearfishing is so selective and hard and teaches me true respect.

What do you think is the most important lesson that sports can teach us about life, and how have you applied that lesson in your own life?
Stay calm through the chaos

What is something you think is true that almost nobody agrees with you on?
Cottage cheese should only be eaten savory not sweet 

Tell us what we really wanna know... do you like your bacon::
Crispy & crunchy

Where can people go to find out more about you and your work?
You can find her @kimi_swimmy on Instagram!


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