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    A Look Inside Under Armour’s Journey To Compete Collection

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    “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” the age-old adage rings true for athletes around the world. But what they rarely talk about is the epic journey that leads them from the realm of the impossible to the pinnacle of achievement. It’s a journey etched with relentless determination, endless training hours and an unwavering commitment – a journey marked by blood, sweat and tears, shaping the careers of athletes into greatness.

    Every athlete boasts a unique story, a personal measure of success and a distinct blend of grit. Yet, amidst these diverse tales, there is a common thread that binds them all together – the extraordinary journey to compete. It is within this journey that they strive to conquer, to exceed and to emerge as the epitome of athletic brilliance.

    The epitome of triumph

    Enter Under Armour Marathon Runner, Sharon Lokedi, the epitome of triumph, whose soaring victory in the 2022 New York Marathon broke records with an awe-inspiring time of 2:23:23. In a nail-biting finish, she outpaced Lonah Chemtai Salpeter of Israel (2:23:30) and reigning world champion Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia by mere seconds. It’s worth noting that Lokedi and her partner, Under Armour, entered the race as underdogs, defying the odds to secure their place in the prestigious realm of marathon champions. On that unforgettable day, Lokedi not only etched her name in history but defined her very own journey!

    Beyond raw athleticism and tangible success, an athlete’s ‘Journey To Compete’ is an emotional voyage – a profound connection between heart and soul. It embodies countless hours of training, endless sacrifices and an unwavering determination to achieve greatness. Each step taken by an Under Armour athlete, each obstacle faced head-on and every victory celebrated carries a wave of emotion.

    Achieve the impossible

    Journey To Compete stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Athletes navigate through euphoric highs and heart-wrenching lows, experiencing elation, frustration, hope, happiness, excitement and perseverance. It’s an emotional athletic rollercoaster, fuelling the passion and dedication needed to surmount obstacles and attain the pinnacle of accomplishment – all while clad in the cutting-edge sportswear from the Journey to Compete collection. From professional swimmers to rugby players and footballers, the underlying purpose and drive of each athlete remain the same – to be the best, to perform at their highest level, to be surrounded by greatness and to achieve the impossible.

    Contrary to the media’s portrayal of overnight success stories, the journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step and Under Armour takes pride in honouring each step – from the smallest victories to the grandest accolades.

    Welcome to the Journey to Compete

    Welcome to the captivating new collection, Journey to Compete, brought to you by Under Armour, a celebration and magnification of the essence of team sports and their relentless pursuit of triumph. Bursting with unity, this collection embodies the spirit of teamwork, unwavering perseverance and an undeniable hunger for victory. Each thread is carefully crafted, every fabric meticulously chosen – a tribute to the efforts that carve their paths to success.

    The essence of the new collection

    This collection captures the heart and soul of every athlete, paying homage to those who have stood at their starting blocks waiting to break their current seasonal record; walked onto the pitch ready to sing their national anthem, or scored that winning goal on a worldwide stage. It is the athletes who breathe life into this collection, making it shine with brilliance.

    The right support

    Compiled of vibrant colours that ignite the spirit when worn, this is a collection where ‘compression doesn’t compromise’. With features such as hook and loop adjustability, the HeatGear® Armour High Sports Bra is designed with the ability to adjust on the body to customise support, ensuring you will be feeling comfortable and supported no matter the time, distance or training method. Boasting spacer pad front panels for a breathable compression fit and a grippy waistband that provides athletes with a non-slip fit, this collection is made with elite athletes in mind allowing them to feel secure and locked in when training and performing at their best.

    Shop The ‘Journey To Compete’ Look

    HeatGear® Armour High Printed Sports Bra

    TriBase™ Reign 5 Training Shoes

    Knockout Tank

    UA Challenger Pro Printed Shorts

    UA HeatGear® Long Shorts

    Robyn Moodaly

    As a proud face of the collection, Under Armour Athlete and Professional Footballer, Robyn Moodaly knows best when it comes to understanding and identifying the needs of sportswomen and recognizing the key elements of what to look for in an apparel collection.

    “Personally, I look for specific qualities and features that enhance both my performance and comfort – on and off the field. In the Journey to Compete collection, I find that these requirements are fulfilled exceptionally well. Under Armour is known for its innovative apparel and this collection is no exception. When it comes to my needs, functionality and performance-enhancing features are important to me, especially when it comes to training. Flexibility and freedom of movement are things I like in my apparel as it allows me to perform at my best without any restrictions, all of which are met with this collection. Lastly, I value the collection’s attention to detail in design and aesthetics. Looking good and feeling confident in my sports gear really does have a positive impact on my mindset and overall performance,” she explains.

    As the Banyana Banyana and JBW Football Club star takes to the field it’s no surprise she puts her trust in the Journey To Compete collection as it meets all the requirements of being a highly innovative and ground-breaking apparel wear – it’s a future game-changer for the whole athletic apparel industry.

    As we take a bird’s eye view of the overall journey of one’s success story, it’s clear to see and understand how it transcends the final destination; it’s a celebration of all the moments in between that have paved the way to who and where these athletes are today.

    Tried and tested

    WH Features Editor Michelle October took the Journey To Compete collection for a spin – here’s how it went.

    The HeatGear® Armour High Sports Bra

    The gear has been thoughtfully created and perhaps none more so than the HeatGear® Armour High Sports Bra, with adjustable straps so you can really get the best fit for you. It also has a keyhole detail at the back that makes it easier to take off – something that’s notoriously difficult to do post-workout. After my workout, I found the bra surprisingly dry, which makes its moisture-wicking properties truly stand out. Plus, nothing moved while I was jumping around.

    The UA Challenger Pro Printed Shorts

    The bottoms came with a ribbed section that holds tight to your waist and won’t fall down during burpees and inchworms. I was really impressed by how well it held its own and how smooth it felt to workout in. Plus, the colours are just to die for, while still being really flattering to my shape.

    The UA Knockout Tank

    The UA Knockout tank is just that – a knockout when it comes to training. The material lies comfortably and is never in the way, thanks to the tailored fit. It also holds sweat really well, while the stylish black trim detail makes for a statement fit that feels good to wear. 

    Journey To Compete. Game-Changing Women’s Gear. Never Give Up. Never Hold Back. Get the gear you need to do whatever it takes for your team.

    Available in-store and online now. www.underarmour.co.za More

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      in lifestyle and culture

      Fatima Sajwani achieves a historic feat as the First Emirati Woman to Conquer Mont Blanc

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      Life

      by Ruman Baig
      5 mins ago

      On 16 July 2023, Fatima Sajwani, an accomplished mountaineer from the UAE, etched her name in history as the first Emirati woman to conquer the summit of Mont Blanc.
      This daring and historic adventure began on 13 July 2023, with Fatima taking approximately four days to reach the peak of the Alps’ highest mountain.
      The successful summit of Mont Blanc marks yet another milestone in Fatima’s remarkable climbing career. Having already set significant records for her country in the world of mountaineering, she earned the distinction last year of becoming the first Emirati to ascend Africa’s third-highest and most treacherous summit, Margherita Peak.
      Fatima’s journey to the pinnacle of Mont Blanc involved navigating the challenging Aiguille du Goûter Route, which presented icy terrains and demanding scrambling and climbing. After reaching the Goûter Hut at an altitude of 3835m, she had to endure a two-day wait for improved weather conditions before continuing her ascent towards the summit. The final push up through the Dome du Goûter and the Vallot Hut ultimately led Fatima to conquer the summit of Mont Blanc.

      Talking about her significant achievement, she said “I am proud to continue the legacy of other great female Emirati sportswomen across diverse fields who have paved the way for me. I am grateful to be able to represent the UAE in mountaineering, a sport in which Middle Eastern athletes are usually underrepresented. My motivation to set new records for my country is fueled by my raise my nation’s flag over new peaks and to inspire young Emiratis, especially women, to embrace extreme sports.”
      The successful completion of this ambitious ascent is a testament to months of intensive training in the UAE and the meticulous execution of a carefully planned expedition, coupled with favorable weather conditions. Notably, a previous attempt by Fatima to summit Mont Blanc a year ago was interrupted due to sudden and adverse weather changes.
      Despite the exhaustion, Fatima Sajwani’s spirits remain high, and she is already setting her sights on her next challenge. Upon returning to the UAE, her plans include rigorous training for Ama Dablam in Nepal, a Himalayan peak renowned for its steep pitches and sharp ridges. With her indomitable spirit and determination, Fatima continues to push the boundaries of mountaineering and inspire others to pursue their dreams.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      in fitness and body

      Tegan Phillips Is Trying To Break The Guinness World Record For Cycling From Cairo To Cape Town

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      Tegan Phillips is aiming to break the Guinness World Record for cycling from Cairo to Cape Town. She might seem familiar to you for other reasons: you may have seen her cartoons on Instagram, delving into motivation, life, success and cycling. Or you may have known her from our previous article covering her travels through Europe on her bicycle.
      This time, instead of sleeping on the side of the road alone, she’s got a whole team behind her. For Tegan to successfully break the Guinness World Record, she needs a medical team, security, insurance, tents, radios, filmers and photographers.
      Her motivation for cycling such epic distances? No woman has done it before.
      “It looked like an epic ride, and—being a keen cyclist myself—I became interested to see what the women’s record was. When I searched, I discovered that there wasn’t one,” details Tegan on her website. “I couldn’t stop thinking that this record simply had to exist—partly for showcasing women’s sport in Africa, but mostly for a sense of equality in this record story.”
      READ MORE: Is There Gender Parity For Women In Sports?
      We chatted to Tegan to see what goes into prepping for an iconic venture like this.
      Michelle October: I remember chatting to you about your travels through Europe on a bike. Before, you slept wherever you could. Because you’ll have a team tracking you this time, where will you be staying at each leg? 
      Tegan Phillips: We’re hoping to mix it up between sleeping in regular tents and staying in the odd guest house where we can find one. As a cycle tourist, you quickly learn to value “4 wall” sleeping arrangements not just for a chance to sleep in a bed but also to be able to charge devices, wash clothes, have a shower, use a proper loo, make coffee with a kettle, be safe from wild animals and have everything safely locked away for a night. That said, the distances I’m hoping to ride each day are ambitious (many days over 300km planned), so if something goes wrong in a day like a long border crossing or injury, there’s a good chance we’ll have to just pull off on the side of the road somewhere in the night, even if we planned to sleep elsewhere.
      Tegan Philips in Wales
      MO: At your American training leg, are there any major changes to your schedule/packing techniques/sleeping arrangements? 
      TP: The USA training adventure, which was basically riding as many 70km loops per day as I could for two weeks, has had some uniquely fun challenges. I’m staying at the Homestretch Foundation in Arizona and it’s over 40 degrees Celsius many days here (desert life), so I initially planned to do all of my riding at night and sleep during the day. But then I found out that there’s often big lightning storms at night, which is a bit dangerous. So I ended up mixing it up a bit and doing a lot of riding in the heat, some riding in the lightning, and sleeping at the weirdest hours. I was also totally self-supported so in between riding I was popping to the shops and buying ALL THE FOOD (mostly Nutella) and trying to keep all my kit clean to avoid saddle sores. I had one major crash and a few major mechanicals so was also in and out of doctors offices and bike shops. All of those things will hopefully be reduced on the trip, as I’ll have support to help look after my bike and do the cooking and shopping and the weather won’t be as hot (except in Egypt/Sudan) so it will be easier to ride during the day and sleep at night.
      READ MORE: How To Boost Your Fitness By Tailoring Your Exercise Routine To Your Menstrual Cycle
      MO: Your cycling has always been about just travelling via your bike. How do you feel about making a new record? Suddenly there are stakes above and beyond survival. What’s that feeling? Magical? Like there’s a new part of you waiting to be unlocked? Or not so much? 
      TP: I am so excited! But I’m also trying to focus on the process more than the outcome—it sounds cliché but I think when there are so many people invested in a certain outcome it can be overwhelming to take on that pressure of, like, “I have to do this or else.” So I keep framing it as “I am so excited to try” rather than being so excited to set the record. And that is something that I can control—how much I try.
      READ MORE: Sport Really Can Empower Women — Just Look At Banyana Banyana’s Thembi Kgatlana
      MO: Tell us about your bike! Does she have a name? What do you like about her? Is she the only bike, or do you have a “quiver” for the trip? Are you going to use a mountain or road bike for this? 
      TP: I’ll be on a road bike (it’s tar the whole way!) with a few sets of wheels and a lot of spare everything, including a spare bike. I once heard TCR [Transcontinental Race] overall winner Fiona Kolbinger once say in an interview that she always sits in the bike shop when she takes her bike in and watches the mechanics work on it or asks them to tell her what to do and she does it while they watch. So the past few months I’ve been trying to do that as well; trying to learn how to fix and look after every single tiny thing on my bike, so that I don’t feel stuck or helpless in the face of problems that I could solve by just knowing how something works.
      [embedded content]
      MO: Which part of the trip are you most afraid of? 
      TP: Ethiopia has always been the biggest stumbling block for people wanting to ride this route, and at the moment things are especially tricky. There’s been an ongoing civil war for the past two years and borders have been closed, cyclists have been arrested—and as of last week [at the time of writing] the borders which had just reopened are closed again. There’s also been some Sudan/Ethiopia conflict, and some unrest in northern Kenya. So getting through the first three countries (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia) and being able to get out without too many delays or incidents will be a massive relief, and from there just getting home to Cape Town as quickly and smoothly as possible!
      Tegan Phillips in the WC Dash
      MO: And what are you most excited for?
      TP: I am mostly just excited to give this thing a go. I’ve been talking about it since 2015 so it’s been a long time coming, and I am so grateful that my team eventually kind of pushed me to stop delaying and waiting for conditions to ‘be right’ and to just get things organised with a plan to deal with problems as they come up. I can’t say I’m too excited to see all of the countries (compared to if I was touring) because the reality of ultra-racing is that you end up having very little interaction with the environment, especially on supported attempts. It’s ride, eat, sleep, repeat—all the way ‘til the end. But I am excited to be doing it with the COOLEST support team I could ever have dreamed of, including Cally (who used to work with you guys and is currently cycling up to Kenya!), and Henry Cock, who set a big running record last near and next year wants to run Cairo2CT. There’s also pro-runner Robbie Rorich, doctor Traci Sanders and a talented film crew (Paige Fiddes and Chris Joubert). I think we’re going to have the adventure of a lifetime.
      Tegan’s trip starts on the 17th October. Donate here. All proceeds over and above the target amount go to Khaltsha Cycles to buy bicycles for women from Khayelitsha, a township in Cape Town, where many girls and women don’t have other means to get to school or work.

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