Columbia Sportswear Company says it was “inspired by the greatness of the athletes” as it unveiled its 2014 Olympic uniforms for the U.S., Canadian and Russian Freestyle Ski teams on January 8. Custom designed for each country from the ground up and the inside out, the uniforms deliver warmth, protection and performance-fits required for each discipline — Moguls, Aerials, Slopestyle, Halfpipe and Skicross — with nationalized aesthetics and new technologies developed specifically for these elite athletes.
After a successful sponsorship of the Canadian freestyle ski team during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, where the company first introduced its now omni-present Omni-Heat Thermal liner technology, Columbia said its support to include the equally formidable U.S. and Russian teams was a natural evolution for the global brand.
Columbia’s design team engaged directly with the athletes on an unprecedented level to gain insight into how the uniforms could enhance performance. “We were incredibly impressed with the level of interaction we had with Columbia’s design team,” said U.S. freestyle mogul skier Heather McPhie. “They met with us several times and genuinely wanted to learn about what we needed. To be included in the design process like that was fantastic—that is exactly what it takes to create world-class uniforms like these.”
Based on extensive athlete input, Columbia’s design team integrated a slew of innovative details such as a unique snow camouflage pattern to help mask body movement—a key judging component for moguls skiers. The uniforms also feature a patent-pending Columbia-designed ultra-lightweight and low-profile LightRail Zipper which is bonded directly onto laser-cut fabric, eliminating the need for zipper tape and resulting in the lightest-weight waterproof zipper in the world.
But technology is only part of the story – fresh graphics and prints reflect unexpected and inspiring energy while honoring each country’s distinct iconography. Customizable components like interchangeable shoulder patches, custom nameplates, and removable pockets allow the athletes to make the uniform their own without compromising the cohesive look of the team.
“We applaud the dedication and talent of all athletes who have trained for years in preparation to deliver their best performances when it matters most.” said Columbia’s president and CEO Tim Boyle. “Our design teams drew inspiration directly from the U.S., Canadian and Russian athletes and their diverse national cultures in designing these competitive team uniforms, incorporating everything we’ve learned in our first 75 years of trying stuff in an effort to enhance their performance. We wish each of them great success in Sochi.”
Columbia, the flagship brand of Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear Company, which also owns Mountain Hardwear, Montrail and Sorel, has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Uniforms were designed and prototyped at their Portland headquarters. Columbia has become a leading global brand by channeling the company’s passion for the outdoors, and commitment to developing in-house technologies and performance products that keep people warm, dry, cool and protected year-round. To learn more visit the company’s website at www.columbia.com.
