Reut Shahar: International Heroine
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Reut Shahar soaks in adventure and opportunities in life.
Written by Kaitlyn Iris Easterling, 11th grade student Bell Tower Magazine contributor
Since fall of 2022, there has been a new, distinct presence at Miller School of Albemarle. You may not know her personally, but every student and teacher at Miller is familiar with her warm smile and charisma. Look a little closer at this young woman’s life, and you will learn that she is an internationally acclaimed athlete with profound resilience and intellect. This is the story of Reut Shahar.
Reut was born in Ramat Gan, Israel, but grew up on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. She has three siblings: a brother, Amit, and two sisters, Neta and Noa as well as four foster babies that her family has cared for during different times in Reut’s life. Both of her parents are athletes: her mom was a rugby player and trail runner and her father is a triathlete. A triathlete is someone who competes in triathlons, or multisport races consisting of swimming, running, and cycling.
Triathlons are noted for being some of the toughest athletic competitions, often pushing triathletes beyond the physical limits of most people. When asked about what inspired her to become a triathlete, she recalled that watching her father train for Ironmans is what sparked her interest in being a triathlete. The idea of crossing the finish line after a grueling race and acquiring great strength was enticing. And from a young age, Reut began to exhibit exceptional athletic talent of her own. At the age of 14, Reut was accepted onto the Hong Kong National Triathlon Team. One year later, she represented Hong Kong in the Maccabiah Games, the world’s largest Jewish athletic competition.
Reut describes being a triathlete as a game of both physical and mental endurance. Over the years, she has sustained serious injuries in which she was hospitalized and could not train for many weeks. Though, she describes how these hardships only fueled her love for the sport and made crossing the finish line all more rewarding.
Her life outside of athletics is just as fascinating. She has attended international schools since a young age and speaks an outstanding three languages: English, Hebrew, and Mandarin Chinese. Being raised in an international community, she says, is central to her identity. While exploring new countries, her Israeli parents fell in love with Hong Kong and moved there shortly before Reut was born. She explained how growing up around nature in Hong Kong sparked her lifelong love and passion for the outdoors. She loves being in nature and engaging in activities such as hiking and spending time by the ocean.
While Hong Kong is her home, she also holds onto her Israeli Jewish roots. “Reut,” in Hebrew, means “strong friendship; especially between soldiers.” A significant moment in her life was attending a Jewish High School in Hong Kong. She says here she learned the Hebrew language and about Jewish culture and history, allowing her to feel a greater connection to her Jewish heritage.
After Covid-19 ravaged through Hong Kong, training became more difficult due to the many restrictions. Reut and her parents searched for a place to make the situation better; a place where she could pursue her athletics as well as academics. This is how her family discovered Miller School of Albemarle.
Her family chose Miller because it is a sports integrated school with great academics. She says it is wonderful being able to pursue all three tri-athletic at Miller (swimming, biking, running) while also building a good foundation for her future. She expresses her gratitude for the “invaluable guidance” Miller has provided her.
When Reut graduates Miller, she says she wishes to continue to pursue academics while also having a career in sports. While she is unsure of what the future holds for her, it is sure to be grand
NOTE FROM REUT
To my mom and dad, Ima and Aba, you have shown me what hard work is and that the sky's the limit. To my coaches, Erik, Kam, and Glenn; you have pushed my limits and have never given up on me. To my teammates, Ethan Davies, Charlie Volavka, and Anika Cambara; we have made each other better athletes and I am grateful to have watched us grow together. To my teachers back home, Mrs. Rachel Friedmann, Gary Swart, Roshan Julian, Orli Maskalchi, Avital Eliav, and Achyia Eliav, thank you for being my biggest supporters. Lastly, I want to say thank you to my coaches here at Miller, Coach Guptill, Coach Hufnagel, Coach LaVoie, Coach Lisa and Coach Athena who have accepted me with open arms, believe in me and push me to be a better competitive and fierce athlete.
