Zhik and Australian Sailing renew podium-winning partnership for a fourth Olympic cycle
by Zhik 20 Jun 14:00 PDT
Elyse Ainsworth © Australian Sailing
Zhik and Australian Sailing are proud to celebrate over a decade of partnership, one built on innovation, elite performance and podium success. Since 2013, the collaboration has helped deliver four Olympic gold medals and four silver medals across three Games, and it continues to elevate the standard of technical sailing gear for the next generation of Australian athletes.
As an Australian company, Zhik has maintained a uniquely close working relationship with the Australian Sailing Team since its founding. This synergy has helped pioneer gear advancements including GRIP II boots, power pads, hiking straps and wetsuits using sustainable Yulex technology.
Zhik's commitment to the development of high-performing apparel for female athletes, with an industry leading range of female wetsuits launched last year, and its core focus on sustainability with the launch of ReZHIKle, a recycling program that gives old wetsuits a second life, is a cornerstone of the partnership.
"Our team is driven by performance and innovation, and we're proud to continue our incredible performance partnership with Zhik, an Australian-born brand that shares our commitment to excellence," said Iain Brambell, High Performance Director of the Australian Sailing Team. "For a fourth Olympic cycle, we're relying on world-class technical gear developed right here at home, continually refined through R&D and feedback from our athletes. That local connection gives us an edge; our sailors not only perform at their best, but do so with confidence and comfort, backed by Australian innovation."
Zhik's support of sailing in Australia extends from the elite to the grassroots, with the partnership once again including naming rights of the Zhik YouthSail series, and for the first time will also include discounts for Australian Sailing Affiliated Clubs through the Zhik Club Rewards Program.
"We are delighted that this unique whole-of-sport partnership will see sailors across Australia wearing Zhik from their first time sailing, to when they step onto the podium wearing Zhik proudly on their chests," said Australian Sailing Acting CEO Ben Callard.
"Clubs will get a tangible benefit through this partnership and will see Zhik's support now extend from clubs to the Zhik YouthSail series, our High Performance Pathways Program and the Australian Sailing Team."
Olympic Champion Matt Wearn praised the partnership, "Zhik gear has been a constant in my Olympic journey, from winning gold in Tokyo to defending the title in Paris. Knowing I've got the best gear for all conditions makes a real difference on the race course. It's awesome to work with an Australian brand that listens to athletes and pushes boundaries with every product."
The two-time gold medallist in the ILCA7 highlighted, "The Zhik Grip II hiking strap and 360 boot was, and still is, a game changer. The comfort and ability to lock into the boat has allowed me to take my hiking performance to the next level."
With Mat Belcher now at the helm of Zhik as CEO, a three-time Olympic medallist with two of those achieved under this very partnership, the bond between elite performance and product development is stronger than ever.
"I've experienced this partnership from both sides; as an athlete standing on the Olympic podium in Zhik gear, and now as CEO helping drive the next generation of innovation," said Olympic Champion and Zhik CEO Mat Belcher. "This renewed commitment with the Australian Sailing Team is a uniquely powerful collaboration rooted in Australian excellence."
Together, Zhik and Australian Sailing are not only chasing medals, they're shaping the future of sailing through homegrown innovation, sustainability, and a deep belief in developing the next generation. As the journey toward LA 2028 begins, this proud Australian partnership will continue to make waves for years to come.
Follow the Australian Sailing Team: www.australiansailingteam.com.au
For more information about Zhik and its products, visit www.zhik.com.
#MadeForWater