The sacred sanctuaries of the locker room, the revered corridors leading to the pitch, the moments preceding the dazzling spotlight when the team strides towards their sporting pinnacle – Under Armour delves into the core of athlete psyche, transforming the pre-game experience for Team Sports heroes.
In the unveiling of the 2024 collection, Under Armour showcases groundbreaking baselayer technology, spotlighting Heatgear, Coldgear, Iso-Chill, and Authentics. These state-of-the-art baselayers offer a second-skin fit, regulating temperature, and delivering essential support for every athlete. The spotlight also falls on the Unstoppable Collection, a woven fabric line tailored for athletes seeking a blend of style, confidence, and peak performance. Additionally, the Infinite Run Category Collection introduces key players such as UA Infinite, UA Infinite Pro, and UA Infinite Elite.
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Baselayer – For the Heat and Cold
Venturing beyond mere product innovation, the event goes deep into the lives of athletes, unravelling the intricacies of Team Sports rituals before they step into the limelight. The spotlight is cast on the sacred moments of the locker room, exploring the mental landscape of Team Sports Athletes as they gear up for their sporting crescendos.
Infinite – The Run Category Collection
Statistics reveal that over 74% of high-level athletes engage in pre-game rituals, varying in length and complexity. From the internationally recognised Ka Mate haka in rugby to individual quirks like a Canadian Hockey Player’s pre-game peanut butter and jelly sandwich ritual, these behaviours have been studied through the lenses of rituals, pre-performance routines, and superstitions by sports science researchers.
Unstoppable Collection – Born from performance. Made for style
Prominent figures such as Siviwe ‘Shakes’ Soyizwapi and Kegan Johannes, shed light on their leadership, introspection, and locker room rituals:
Rugby Player, Siviwe ‘Shakes’ Soyizwapi
Siviwe believes that the true power of an athlete lies not just in physical ability but in the mastery of their mental game, especially before a game. ‘Those moments before stepping onto the field are a mix of emotions, a mix of nerves, excitement, and focus. It’s in that mental switch that I am truly able to prepare and drown out the outside ‘noise’ and perform to the absolute best of my ability. The locker room isn’t just a space; it’s a sanctuary where we build mental resilience, where we rally our teammates, our brothers, our warriors, and face the on-field pressures together, with strength and that undeniable will to win,’ he adds. What takes place in the locker room is that if an immersive experience, one that not many get to experience for themselves, unless part of a team bond. It’s moments captured in time, that they carry through with them onto the field that ultimately gives them that extra push when they’re feeling tired, motivate them to go a little faster, excite them to give a little more and give them the encouragement to perform at their best until that final whistle blows.
Professional Footballer, Kegan Johannes
Keegan is no stranger to performing to the highest levels, but what actions does he take before stepping onto the field? ‘In the locker room, rituals become the heartbeat of our team, the rhythm that defines us before heading on to the pitch. From walking onto the pitch with my right foot first, to leading my team to success, these pre-match moments shape my narrative of victory. It’s not just a game; it’s a culmination of belief, preparation and believing you can succeed before you even step onto the pitch,” he adds.
Under Armour’s 2024 line-up isn’t just about products; it’s about empowering athletes to rewrite their stories, one game-changing moment at a time, whether it be in the locker room, the hallway or on the playing field.
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Whether it’s that silent moment of personal reflection, the resonance of a heartfelt team war cry, or an athlete methodically putting on their left boot first, each action holds significant weight in shaping individuals both on and off the field, propelling them toward greatness. These rituals, whether collective or individual, contribute to the unique narrative of each athlete’s journey, instilling a sense of preparation, focus, and belief that transcends the playing field, all of which are embodied further through the use and application of Under Armour apparel.
For more information, visit www.underarmour.co.za or download the Under Armour on Google Play or the Apple Store, today!
