Inspired by Greatness: Columbia Unveils 2014 Olympic Uniforms for Canadian, U.S., and Russian Freestyle Ski Teams

LONDON, ON, Jan. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Columbia Sportswear Company (NASDAQ: COLM) a global leader in active outdoor apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment, unveiled today the 2014 Olympic uniforms for the Canadian, U.S., and Russian Freestyle Ski teams. Custom designed for each country from the ground up, the uniforms deliver warmth, protection and performance with fresh aesthetics and new technologies developed specifically for the unique needs of these elite athletes.

After a successful sponsorship of the powerhouse Canadian Freestyle Ski Team during the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, expanding Columbia's support to include the equally formidable U.S. and Russian teams was a natural evolution for the global brand.

"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 Chief Executive Officer, 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."

At the heart of the uniforms, Columbia's patented Omni-Heat Thermal Reflective technology delivers more warmth with less bulk, providing athletes critical mobility and unrestricted movement without compromising comfort.

Columbia's design team engaged directly with the athletes to gain insight into how the uniforms could enhance performance. "It started with a trip to Portland where we met for two days with the design team. We went through everything; cut, colour, technology and some personal preferences," said Mikael Kingsbury, Canadian Freestyle mogul skier. "After that it was constant dialogue at every step. What I see today is the best uniform I have worn. I am very happy to wear it in Sochi."

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, completely 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 honouring 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.

Columbia's uniforms will be worn by national athletes competing in the following Freestyle Ski Events:

• Canada: Moguls, Aerials, Halfpipe and Slopestyle
• United States: Moguls and Aerials
• Russia: Moguls, Aerials, Slopestyle, Halfpipe, and Skicross

To download the press kit, click here.

Additional video coverage of the uniforms and athlete interviews to follow.

About Columbia
Columbia, the flagship brand of Portland, Oregon-based Columbia Sportswear Company, has been creating innovative apparel, footwear, accessories and equipment for outdoor enthusiasts since 1938. Columbia has become a leading global brand by channeling the company's passion for the outdoors, and an innovative spirit of "trying stuff", into technologies and performance products that keep people warm, dry, cool and protected year-round. To learn more, please visit the company's website at www.columbia.com.

SOURCE: Columbia Sportswear