Ezra Frech presents one of his favorite places

“You can dream it, you can hope for it,
or you can make it happen.”

These are the words of Ezra Frech, one of the most promising young para-athletes of his time and ottobock ambassador. At just 18 years old, Ezra holds nine national records as a competitive track and field athlete. In a stunning display of his power and determination, he recently broke his own world record in the men’s T36 high jump with an astonishing 1.95 meters leap at the World Para Athletics earlier this year.

Ezra was born with congenital limb differences, missing his left knee, left fibula and fingers on his left hand. But despite his challenges, he has never let anything stop him from living the full and active life of a professional athlete.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, one cannot help but attribute the same qualities to Ezra as to his hometown: Sunny, full of energy and extraordinary.

So it only makes sense that one of his favorite places in the city is the Santa Monica farmers' market. As a professional athlete, Ezra is dependent on a balanced, healthy diet. The variety and abundance of the selection of regional Californian delicacies ensures that even the strictest nutrition plan does not become boring.
 

Often at his side is his mom Bahar, who is also his manager and nutritionist, as Ezra likes to joke. For Bahar, the regular visit to the Farmers Market is a real family tradition. As a little girl, she and her grandparents used to wander in wonder among the stalls of fresh, seasonal fruit, the smell of freshly baked bread and colorful flowers. Today, time with her son is real quality time. Besides his professional sports career and the extensive charity work the family does, there is often no time for the little pleasures in life.

Most days the Santa Monica Farmers Market is bathed in the typical Californian golden sunlight. You can only tell the seasons here by what's on offer.

Every Wednesday and Saturday you can buy anything from the juiciest summer peaches to crisp apples and sweet pumpkins in autumn to the most delicious citrus fruits in winter - California has something for everyone in every season.

But what actually makes the market so special is the farm-to-table philosophy. The market works very closely with local farmers who sell their harvest themselves. There is usually an exciting story to go with each batch of fresh oranges or peaches, or at least an insider's tip for the perfect recipe.

And it isn’t just about fruit and veggies. Artisanal bakers display their fresh bread and pastries. Cheese lovers will find probably the best selection in Los Angeles. Food vendors whip up dishes like grilled corn, grilled sausages and international delicacies from scratch.
 

Beyond the food, the Santa Monica Farmers Market has been a hub of community life since its founding in 1981. A sunny place right by the ocean where friends and families come together and simply enjoy the neighborhood, good food and Californian sunshine.

So it's no wonder that Ezra's family loves the tradition and carries it on. Only those who have been there can experience the incomparable vibe that the Santa Monica Farmers Market exudes. A place where everyone is welcome and no one is excluded. A place that also reflects the attitude and mission of Ezra and his family.
 

Do you have that one special place that you visit again and again?

Tell us about your favorite places around the world in the comments!
We're excited to hear about your special places. 

Farmers Market, 155-199 Arizona Avenue, Santa Monica
Open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 - 1 am