Morse Code For Helmets And Goggles

By Published On: June 6th, 2017Comments Off on Morse Code For Helmets And Goggles

Carrabassett Valley, Maine, native Sam Morse has been chipping away at his competition over the years. His hard work and dedication finally paid dividends this past March when he captured the 2017 World Junior downhill title in Are, Sweden. Running with a carefully chosen bib 30, Morse stunned his competitors with a blistering run to take the win.

“The snow was just heating up substantially on the top flats and getting faster right around those bib numbers,” Morse says. “I had the first pick because I was number-one ranked going into the race and we made the bold decision to pick 30 — no one ever picks 30. When we called that out at the meeting, all the Austrians and Swiss swung around like, ‘What is this kid doing? He’s an idiot!’ But, sure enough, the top flats were fast and I was able to put a good amount of time on the guys up there. It was really special when I came down with bib 30 with the green light.”

That innate trust in his ability translates directly into how Morse views his relationship with his equipment. Not one to make changes to his setup on a whim, Morse has trusted Uvex products for nearly a decade. Late last season, we grabbed some face time with the reigning World Junior Champion to discuss his relationship with the company tasked with protecting his noggin out on the slopes.

 

Why is it important for athletes to develop relationships with sponsors?

As athletes we are entertainers, our business produces a riveting game which gains fans and generates advertising dollars. In order for the sport to grow and for the athlete to make a living doing it, they need to partner with sponsors in mutually benefiting relationships. In addition, when athletes connect with the companies producing the equipment they compete with, then there is an opportunity to push the sport to new heights with the advancement of equipment designed in this partnership.
 

How does an athlete go about doing that?

Ski fast. Sponsors want to support individuals with a well known positive public image and the best way to do that is to rise up the ranks of your sport.
 

What is your relationship with Uvex?

I have been a Uvex supported athlete for about a decade now which means a lot to me. They believed in me when few others did, and I hope to return the favor in a big way some day. It’s motivating to have a company like Uvex behind you cheering.
 

What makes Uvex a good fit for you as an athlete?

Uvex is a performance-driven brand. They are more concerned with providing superior products for their athletes to perform at the highest level instead of cutting cost on cheap manufacturing. That matches up with my values as an athlete, since I am a performance-driven athlete. I ski race to push myself and see what I’m capable of in my performance on the slope, not just trying to make money.
 

Do you have a role in product development and if so, what is that process like?

I have begun to attend Uvex sales meeting and various events with Uvex. I have yet to contribute to a specific featured product design, but I have been a contributing source in providing feedback for some of their latest race goggles. The process consists of Uvex giving me their latest product, then having me go out and put it to the test on the slopes, and then communicate back what I like or disliked about the product.

Share This Article

About the Author: SR Staff Report