XX2i Optics, Official Competition Supplier to the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team and the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA), is proud to announce a partnership extension with top ranked aerial skier, world record setting marathon runner, and highly decorated triathlete Winter Vinecki. Winter’s career as an athlete began when she was only five years old, racing triathlons and earning two national titles by the time she was thirteen. When tragedy struck and her father died from an aggressive form of prostate cancer in 2009, she set her goals high, raising thousands of dollars and competing around the world in multiple disciplines to honor his memory and bring awareness to his illness.
“For the last five years, XX2i Optics has been supporting me in all of my athletic endeavors,” shared Winter. “Seeing that I just turned 18, it goes to show what an amazing company XX2i is for standing beside me as I chase down my dreams at a very young age. From summer sports to winter sports, sunglasses are a seemingly small but crucial part of training and competing.”
With her background in triathlon racing, Winter became even more motivated to compete after her father’s tragic passing – it became her mission to complete a marathon on every continent before her 15th birthday. By 2013, Winter earned the world record for the youngest person to complete a 26.2 mile run on all seven continents.
“As a triathlete, XX2i Optics amazed me with cool, durable, and lightweight sunglasses that stayed put on the bike and run. This company was with me from the beginning, even helping me become a two-time IRONKIDS Triathlon National Champion. On my journey to setting the world record for the youngest person to run a marathon on all seven continents, XX2i Optics protected my eyes from the elements on all the terrains on earth, from frozen Antarctica to the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.”
In addition to her warm weather endeavors, which also includes winning the 2013 Spartan World Championship in the 19 & Under Division, Winter was introduced to aerial skiing in 2011. She eventually tried out for the Fly Elite Freestyle Aerials team in Park City, Utah, and continued to demonstrate success in the early stages of her career. In 2016, Winter was named the Junior National Aerial’s Freestyle Champion and NorAm Cup Overall Tour Champion, and secured a spot on the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team. Winter is now pursuing the next winter Olympics.
“As a 2018 Winter Olympic hopeful, XX2i Optics gives me confidence knowing that no matter what the weather, my sunglasses will give me a clear view off the jump and in the air as I spot the landing below. Even after flipping and twisting through the air, they stay put on my face, just like they were before my jump. With XX2i Optics, I can trust my sunglasses to do their job so I can compete at my best.”
XX2i Optics provides a variety of options for skiers and athletes of all disciplines, including Winter’s favorite, the France1. With multiple styles, colors, and lens configurations including polarized, readers, and fully Rx-able lenses, these shades provide a range of superb optical solutions. The France1 is made from flexible and strong Grilamid and includes fully adjustable temple tips and nose pads to ensure an accurate face fit, an extremely important feature on the ground or in the air. XX2i Optics also just announced a formal relationship as a competition supplier to the US Ski and Snowboard Association, granting exclusive deals to all members of the national organization on high quality performance and casual eyewear.
“The first time I learned about and spoke to Winter, I knew she was a very special and gifted person, and a one of a kind athlete,” said Paul Craig, President of XX2i Optics. “Through all her accomplishments, from crossing the the finish line of a marathon on all seven continents, to now soaring 50 feet in the air on her skis, Winter should know that all of us at Team XX2i will always have her back…and eyes!”
With the help of XX2i, Winter continues to manage Team Winter – a non-profit organization that raises money and awareness for prostate cancer. To this day, Winter has raised over $400,000 and has athletes, young and old, racing around the world representing her cause. XX2i Optics is proud to extend a partnership with this talented, motivated, and influential young athlete and a storied organization such as USSA as Vinecki continues to push the limits of gravity and compete at the highest level of her sport. Learn more at teamwinter.org.