Full support for Akira Sasaki, who aims to compete in the 2026 Milan Olympics
On August 1, 2022, Goldwin Inc. announced the signing of an athlete support contract with Akira Sasaki. Under this agreement, Goldwin will provide him with apparel and other equipment upon his return to alpine skiing. Based on its 70-plus years of accumulated know-how and experience as a brand with skiing, Goldwin will provide uncompromising, cutting-edge development and support for its products. Sasaki himself also released a statement at the time
I didn't sign with Goldwin, a team that remains at the forefront of the skiing world, simply because I wanted to return to the world of racing. It was the future challenge Goldwin envisions. When I heard about this challenge, I was excited by their vision for the big future, as if projecting myself into it. I also felt a strong sense of hope that there was something I could contribute. Japan's sincere approach to craftsmanship. Communicating Japan's pride to the world and creating a better world. Goldwin's philosophy as they set off on a bold global journey impressed me, and this was the biggest factor in my decision to sign with them. My philosophy in life is to balance and sublimate sport, culture, fashion, and life. To give back to society and education with this philosophy, experience, and mindset, I must take on the most difficult challenges myself. When my challenges and Goldwin's vision for the future merged, a path for us to walk together opened up. I believe that the only way I can shine a light on the future of the Goldwin brand is to build a constructive relationship where I can face every challenge head-on without compromising my philosophy. Now, I am proud to begin my journey with Goldwin, a creative brand with a global outlook
Recently, Sasaki's crowdfunding campaign reached its first target amount shortly after it began, and is still ongoing. Let's keep an eye on his future endeavors.
■Akira Sasaki
Akira is 40 years old and was born on September 26th, 1981. He is from Ono Town, Hokkaido (now Hokuto City, Hokkaido). He made his debut as a ski racer at the Salt Lake City Olympics. He then competed in four consecutive Olympics in Turin, Vancouver, and Sochi. He competed in the World Championships and the Alpine Skiing World Cup, achieving the feat of standing on the podium three times, more than any other Japanese skier. After switching from alpine skiing, he skied mountains around the world as a freeride skier. In 2021, he released footage filmed around the world. He is also involved in ski-related businesses, events for junior skiers, and is a coach for Japan's Alpine National Team, working to develop future Olympic athletes. In March 2022, he announced his return to racing. Instagram: @akiraexploring
■Goldwin
Goldwin began in 1950 as a small factory called Tsuzawa Knitting Factory in Toyama, and later launched as an outdoor brand specializing in skiwear. With the technical capabilities cultivated over a history spanning more than 70 years, and designs that meticulously express the unique aesthetic of "DEDICATION TO DETAIL" that has been passed down since the company's founding, the company is committed to developing products that deliver optimal functionality in ways that have as little impact on the environment as possible, based on the philosophy that "people can live more comfortable lives by utilizing the rich functionality nurtured by nature." Currently, the company offers a wide variety of clothing, from sportswear for trekking, outdoor activities, and everyday training such as running, to lifestyle apparel. "Goldwin" website: https://www.goldwin.co.jp/goldwin/
Photography by Toki