Skagit Valley College (SVC) instructor Keri Palasz recently represented the U.S. on the world stage—earning 2nd place at the International Yoga Sports Federation (IYSF) World Yoga Championship held April 5-6, 2025, at Limkokwing University in Malaysia.
Palasz was also one of 20 athletes invited to participate in the event’s Global Demonstration
Team, helping close the championship with a message of peace and unity.
More than 150 athletes from 22 nations competed at this prestigious biennial event,
which celebrates yoga’s physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions. You can learn
more about the IYSF and its mission here.
A Personal Journey to the World Stage
Palasz, a biology and nutrition instructor at SVC, brings a unique perspective to both her teaching and her yoga practice. A registered dietitian and Ph.D in instructional design, she has been teaching since 2019 and joined SVC as associate faculty in 2023.
Her journey with yoga began in her 30s, after completing 10 full marathons and numerous half marathons.
"As I got older, I noticed recovery from running was getting harder," she shared.
A friend suggested hot Bikram yoga to ease her aches—and after just one 90-minute
class, she was hooked.
"The structure of the practice—26 postures done the same way every time—resonated
with me," Palasz explained. "You can track your progress. The only thing that changes
is you."
Over time, yoga became an integral part of her life and well-being. As her interest
deepened, she began attending seminars, sought expert instruction, and discovered
yoga competitions—an opportunity to set training goals and learn from other experienced
yogis.
Competition with Connection and Community
Yoga competitions, which originated in India, focus on improving one’s practice through friendly feedback and camaraderie.
“Everyone warms up together, cheers each other on, and genuinely celebrates each other’s success,” Palasz said. "It's very different from marathon racing."
She first competed in the World Championship virtually in 2020 (earning 2nd place), in 2021 (earning first place) then in person to India in 2022 (earning first place). This year’s event in Malaysia was especially meaningful, offering a chance to reconnect with fellow competitors from around the world.
"There’s a shared understanding of how challenging and rewarding this practice is," she noted. "And through social media, we stay connected and support each other year-round."
Palasz balances her yoga practice with her career and family life. "Creating space in my day for my students, my work, my family, and myself is part of what yoga teaches," she reflected. "The mental and spiritual benefits flow off the mat and into the rest of life."
Lessons for Students and Lifelong Learning
As an educator, Palasz brings lessons from yoga into the classroom. "Having a mentor or coach in your life – someone who helps you grow – is invaluable," she said. "That’s what I hope to offer my students."
She also encourages students and colleagues to try new activities, regardless of age or past experience. "I hated running as a child, but later came to love it. I wasn’t sure about yoga either and now it’s a central part of my life," she said. "We’re all capable of growth and change."
Looking ahead, Palasz plans to continue practicing yoga but isn’t sure whether she will compete again. "It brings me joy to compete, and even more joy to see others succeed," she said. "That’s the true spirit of this sport."
In the meantime, Palasz will continue sharing her expertise beyond competition. She will serve as a featured panelist on an upcoming USA Yoga Q&A Panel on June 28 alongside medical doctors and fellow yoga champions. The panel will focus on training, nutrition, injury prevention, and safe yoga practice while helping yoga practitioners of all levels optimize their performance and well-being.
As a nutrition professor and registered dietitian, Palasz will speak about nutrition and hydration for peak yoga performance, offering insights drawn from both her academic background and her experience as a 3x World and 2x National Yoga Champion.
More information and registration for the panel is available at usayoga.org.
Palasz is excited to contribute to the community in this way. "You’re never too old, too busy, or too unsure to try something new," she said. "You just might discover something life-changing."