New Zealand athletes at the Sochi Olympic Winter Games in February will be stepping out in a unique one-piece merino base layer from official Olympic woolly underwear supplier, Mons Royale.
Launched at a public aprs-ski event in Queenstown this evening as part of the Winter Games NZ, the Sochi Olympic Team Uniform also includes the classic black singlet and a full range of merino base layers embroidered with the silver fern and Olympic rings. High-tech team outwear is from international sportswear company PEAK.
We are proud to be from New Zealand and the uniform reflects this, said New Zealand Olympic Team Chef de Mission Peter Wardell.
The Monsie is an Olympic first. Designed by the Mons Royale team in the Southern Lakes action sports hotspot of Wanaka, the Monsie is constructed from luxurious premium merino wool and delivers no-gaps warmth, perfect for the Russian winter.
It also features an integrated hood for additional protection and an innovative two-way rear zipper to address any start-line nerves.
New Zealand Olympic Winter Team Chef de Mission Peter Wardell said the item will guarantee top-to-toe warmth and comfort. Not to mention quick access should the need arise, he added.
Freeskier Jossi Wells says the Olympic Monsie is a stand-out garment. Base layer separates are great, but you always get gaps especially when you're pushing it. The Monsie just works better. Plus its super comfy to kick back in.
Mons Royale founder Hamish Acland said the black singlet that inspired the range is synonymous with New Zealand sporting success. The singlet may not be seen in the sub-zero temperatures but our hope is that on competition day in Sochi athletes will pull it on and feel a sense of mana and support from back in New Zealand.
The uniforms outerwear range by PEAK features the word New Zealand printed in English, Te Reo and Russian throughout the classic black and white range. With high-tech fabrics, closures and fillings the outerwear is guaranteed warm, waterproof and comfortable. The casual range includes long-line hooded sweatshirts, skinny jeans and puffer jackets as well as highlight colours in red and blue.
The public launch event gave the Queenstown public an opportunity to mix with Olympic hopefuls.
Jossi Wells (freeski halfpipe and slopestyle) and Byron Wells (freeski halfpipe), Shelly Gotlieb (snowboard slopestyle), Anna Willcoxx (freeski halfpipe), Nick Rapley (freeski slopestyle), Scott Becker (curling) and others modelled the range before spending time with fans.
Youngsters were given free stickers featuring the Making us Proud 2014 2016 mark to show their support for the team. The Making Us Proud mark has been designed by New Zealand artist, Shane Hansen.
Ceremony wear will be revealed prior to the opening of the Sochi Olympic Winter Games on 7 February 2014.
Around 20 athletes are expected to represent New Zealand at the Olympic Games that run 7-23 February 2014.
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