{"id":453869,"date":"2026-10-02T02:44:14","date_gmt":"2026-10-02T02:44:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/453869\/"},"modified":"2026-10-02T02:44:14","modified_gmt":"2026-10-02T02:44:14","slug":"rfk-jr-promotes-presidential-fitness-test-at-westlake-high-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/453869\/","title":{"rendered":"RFK Jr. promotes Presidential Fitness Test at Westlake High School"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>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 \u201cTriple H\u201d Levesque watching.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The Austin-area students\u00a0\u2014 all athletes who typically compete in sports like volleyball and basketball\u00a0\u2014 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Bryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President\u2019s 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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>After the students finished their exercises, U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.\u00a0\u2014\u00a0clad in jeans and a tan buttoned shirt\u00a0\u2014 climbed onto the pull-up bar for a few reps of his own. Kennedy\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>The test originated out of former President Dwight Eisenhower\u2019s 1950s-era President\u2019s Council on Youth Fitness. The federal government later abandoned the assessment in 2013, in part because <a href=\"https:\/\/education.msu.edu\/new-educator\/2026\/01\/kin-presidential-fitness-test\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">researchers were concerned that it<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/education.msu.edu\/new-educator\/2026\/01\/kin-presidential-fitness-test\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">may embarrass students<\/a> with lower fitness levels, dissuading them from physical activity entirely.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey got rid of it because they said competition isn\u2019t good for Americans, isn\u2019t good for kids,\u201d Kennedy Jr. said. \u201cI think none of us believe that that\u2019s true. Competition is good for us, whether you win or you lose.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>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\u2019s congratulations for \u201cpersonal commitment to strength, health, and physical fitness.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Those who complete the exercise and meet age- and gender-based benchmarks can obtain two levels of achievement: presidential or national. The test isn\u2019t required for schools, but Westlake High tested students on it last year, according to the district.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>During Thursday\u2019s event in Austin, Kennedy announced $7 million in grants for schools that create new ways\u00a0to\u00a0roll out the\u00a0test and $3 million for sports equipment.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIf we want to have healthy minds, we also need to have healthy bodies,\u201d he said. \u201cThe competition and the hard work you\u2019re putting in now is going to set you up for the rest of your life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The flashy showcase brought in WWE wrestlers like Levesque, who serves as\u00a0vice chair of the President\u2019s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition, and Education Secretary Linda McMahon, the former CEO of WWE.<\/p>\n<p>About nine minutes of daily physical activity can improve students&#8217; focus in the classroom, she said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe 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,\u201d McMahon said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"Bryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President\u2019s 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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Bryson DeChambeau, Professional Golfer and Appointed Chair of the President\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<img alt=\"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.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofct bgsct block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron E. Martinez\/Austin American-Statesman<\/p>\n<p>During the event,\u00a0Kennedy\u00a0Jr. told Westlake\u00a0students 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.<\/p>\n<p>The Westlake visit was Kennedy\u2019s second trip to an Austin-area school this year.\u00a0In February, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/news\/education\/article\/rfk-jr-austin-isd-tour-maha-lunches-21939460.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kennedy visited Cunningham Elementary School to promote whole foods and healthy school lunch programs<\/a>. Three dozen protesters assembled to oppose\u00a0his anti-vaccination views and other health policies that medical experts say aren\u2019t based in science.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statesman.com\/news\/education\/article\/education-secretary-mcmahon-visits-austin-private-21036830.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">McMahon last visited an Austin school last year<\/a>, when she toured Alpha School, a private school known for using artificial intelligence-developed curriculum to teach core instruction.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio speaks to students in the basketball gym at Westlake High School on Thursday, Oct.&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":453870,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[132,134,133],"class_list":["post-453869","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-austin","tag-austin","tag-austin-headlines","tag-austin-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453869","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=453869"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/453869\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/453870"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=453869"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=453869"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=453869"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}