As we commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we proudly champion our incredible Chargel Athletes who are in this community. Read on to be inspired by their stories and discover the impact they are making in the athletic world.
Amy Okada - @amyokada
Amy Okada, a powerhouse athlete, registered dietitian, and swim coach, is Shin-nisei Japanese American. While Amy was born in the U.S., her parents and grandparents were born in Japan and immigrated to the U.S.
Today, Amy has been swimming competitively for 16 years, currently training for the Masters World Champs in Singapore in August, and has been a coach to youth team, Royal Swim, for almost four years.
Aside from being a professional athlete, she is also a registered dietitian and started her own sports nutrition business called MIZU (which means water in Japanese), focusing on water-based athletes such as swimmers, water polo players, triathletes, and surfers.
Allan Jay Garcia - @alohaguyruns
Allan Jay Garcia, a proud 14-time marathon finisher, was originally born in Manila, Philippines, before immigrating to the United States with his family.
Overcoming struggles with his weight throughout his youth and into his 30s and 40s, Allan made a pivotal decision to transform his health. He embarked on a journey of walking and eventually running with his eldest son, Jayden.
Today, Allan continues to prioritize fitness and encourages his entire family to embrace an active lifestyle. Following numerous business trips to Hawaii, he fully immersed himself in Hawaiian culture and the Aloha way of life, earning him the nickname of "Aloha Guy" within the running community. Recognized for his embodiment of caring, kindness, respect, and love, Allan infuses every stride with the spirit of Aloha.
Today, he is an ambassador for the OC Marathon and Las Vegas Marathon. He remains deeply rooted in the Southern California running community and has future plans to conquer as many marathons as possible alongside his cherished family.
Danielle Lao - @thelittlegiant
Danielle Lao was born and raised in Los Angeles, where she picked up a tennis racquet at the age of 7 and went on to build a remarkable career in the sport. A two-time All-American at USC, Danielle competed on the WTA Tour for over a decade, achieving a career-high ranking of No. 152 in the world and playing in all four Grand Slams!
Now retired from professional tennis, Danielle continues to make an impact as a faculty coach with the USTA and as head coach at the Pete Brown Junior Tennis Program, where she mentors young athletes both on and off the court. In 2015, Danielle took up running as cross-training and soon discovered a new passion. She ran the San Francisco Half Marathon in 2023 and now runs 20–30 miles per week.
One of the most meaningful compliments Danielle has ever received came from someone who saw her cartoon image on a Picky Bar and said, “I’m happy to see someone who looks like me (Asian) on a nutrition bar.” For Danielle, that moment underscored the importance of representation and the power of showing up authentically in every space she occupies.
We’re proud to be the energy source and go-to snack of choice for these athletes, powering them on their journey to greatness. If you haven’t already, follow us on Instagram @chargelusa to stay connected with all things Chargel, and to catch the latest updates on our ambassadors.
