WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

The Westlake High School gym unfolded into a gameshow-like scene Thursday morning as 30 students tested their strength and cardio with World Wrestling Entertainment superstars Rey Mysterio and Paul “Triple H” Levesque watching.

The Austin-area students — all athletes who typically compete in sports like volleyball and basketball — lay on black mats to perform crunches, push-ups and plank holds. In the Westlake weight room, students cheered each other on as they tried to complete more pull-ups than the next person.

Article continues below this ad

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, right, and Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, left, wait to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, right, and Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, left, wait to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, steps up to speak in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, steps up to speak in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits in a hallway at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits in a hallway at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanWWE wrestler Charlotte Flair greets students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

WWE wrestler Charlotte Flair greets students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanStudents do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Students do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanStudents participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanStudents participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanFrom left, Charlotte Flair, a WWE wrestler, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, and Rey Mysterio, WWE wrestler, watch students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

From left, Charlotte Flair, a WWE wrestler, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, and Rey Mysterio, WWE wrestler, watch students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, walks the gym floor after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, walks the gym floor after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, walks the gym floor after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, walks the gym floor after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, is interviewed after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, is interviewed after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, right, and Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, left, wait to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, right, and Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, left, wait to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanBryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Bryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, enters the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, enters the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanWWE wrestler Cody Rhodes speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

WWE wrestler Cody Rhodes speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

After the students finished their exercises, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — clad in jeans and a tan buttoned shirt — climbed onto the pull-up bar for a few reps of his own. Kennedy’s visit to Westlake was meant to promote the Presidential Physical Fitness Test, a school-based exercise that measures cardio endurance and core and upper-body strength.

The test originated out of former President Dwight Eisenhower’s 1950s-era President’s Council on Youth Fitness. The federal government later abandoned the assessment in 2013, in part because researchers were concerned that it may embarrass students with lower fitness levels, dissuading them from physical activity entirely.

“They got rid of it because they said competition isn’t good for Americans, isn’t good for kids,” Kennedy Jr. said. “I think none of us believe that that’s true. Competition is good for us, whether you win or you lose.”

Article continues below this ad

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, does pull-ups in front of students that are participating in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, does pull-ups in front of students that are participating in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

President Donald Trump reinstated the test through an executive order in July 2025. Students now complete a combination of curl-ups, a plank hold, push-ups, pull-ups and a mile run or series of 20-meter sprints in an attempt to earn Trump’s congratulations for “personal commitment to strength, health, and physical fitness.” 

Those who complete the exercise and meet age- and gender-based benchmarks can obtain two levels of achievement: presidential or national. The test isn’t required for schools, but Westlake High tested students on it last year, according to the district. 

During Thursday’s event in Austin, Kennedy announced $7 million in grants for schools that create new ways to roll out the test and $3 million for sports equipment.

Article continues below this ad

“If we want to have healthy minds, we also need to have healthy bodies,” he said. “The competition and the hard work you’re putting in now is going to set you up for the rest of your life.”

The flashy showcase brought in WWE wrestlers like Levesque, who serves as vice chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the former CEO of WWE.

About nine minutes of daily physical activity can improve students’ focus in the classroom, she said.

“The Greeks and the Romans had an axiom that we had to have a healthy mind and an educated mind, but in a strong and healthy body,” McMahon said.

Article continues below this ad

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanWWE wrestler Charlotte Flair greets students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

WWE wrestler Charlotte Flair greets students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, enters the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, enters the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanBryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Bryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanWWE wrestler Cody Rhodes speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

WWE wrestler Cody Rhodes speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits in a hallway at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits in a hallway at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, steps up to speak in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, steps up to speak in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, waits to speak at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, speaks to students at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students do pull-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanStudents do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Students do push-ups as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanStudents participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanLinda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanFrom left, Charlotte Flair, a WWE wrestler, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, and Rey Mysterio, WWE wrestler, watch students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

From left, Charlotte Flair, a WWE wrestler, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education, and Rey Mysterio, WWE wrestler, watch students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, watches students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanStudents participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Students participate in the 20m beep test as part of the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-StatesmanRobert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, walks the gym floor after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of Health and Human Services, walks the gym floor after watching students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 in Austin. At Westlake High School, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced the Presidential Fitness School Innovation Challenge and watched Westlake students participate in the Presidential Fitness Test.

Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman

During the event, Kennedy Jr. told Westlake students about a 50-mile walk his father, then-Attorney General Robert Kennedy, undertook in the 1960s in response to a challenge that U.S. Marines hike that distance in 24 hours.

The Westlake visit was Kennedy’s second trip to an Austin-area school this year. In February, Kennedy visited Cunningham Elementary School to promote whole foods and healthy school lunch programs. Three dozen protesters assembled to oppose his anti-vaccination views and other health policies that medical experts say aren’t based in science.

Article continues below this ad

McMahon last visited an Austin school last year, when she toured Alpha School, a private school known for using artificial intelligence-developed curriculum to teach core instruction.