World-Class Triathletes Join the HOKA ONE ONE Elite Roster
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For Immediate Release
Contact: Elizabeth Carey
Backbone Media
970-963-4873 ext. 207
elizabeth.carey@backbonemedia.net
GOLETA, Calif. (September 12, 2016) — HOKA ONE ONE®, a division of Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), continues to gain traction in the triathlon community with the addition of three world class athletes. Recent Olympians Ben Kanute and Katie Zaferes and triathlon veteran Joe Gambles will join the HOKA elite team.
Fresh off a 29th place finish at the 2016 Olympics, Ben Kanute has been racing triathlons since age eight. Ben graduated from the University of Arizona in 2014 after competing for the club triathlon team and team USA at international Continental Cups, World Cups, and ITU World Triathlon Series races. He was an Elite National Champion and USAT Elite athlete of the year twice. He currently trains and lives in Tuscon, Arizona.
“From the short time I’ve been on board with HOKA it’s evident that the company lives and breathes running and that passion is carried through to their shoes,” said Ben Kanute. “I’m grateful for the support they show their athletes and excited to be part of a team that is allowing me to pursue my triathlon goals.”
A professional triathlete since 2013, Katie Zaferes has finished first in the WTS race at World Triathlon Hamburg and most recently represented the United States with an 18th place finish at the 2016 Olympics. Originally from Hampstead, Maryland, Katie grew up playing soccer, swimming and running before attending Syracuse University (NY) where she majored in Physical Education. She currently lives in Santa Cruz, CA, where she trains full time.
Hailing from Australia and currently residing in Boulder, Colorado, Joe Gambles has garnered an impressive list of wins since he began competiting at the elite level at age 16. His professional resume includes 18 victories, a bronze medal at the 2013 Ironman 70.3 World Championships and ten course records.
“We are honored to have Ben, Katie and Joe join the HOKA family. They are exceptional triathletes who have already shown their ability to compete at the highest level with a sense of integrity and professionalism and we are looking forward to seeing where they go next,” said Mike McManus, Senior Sports Marketing Manager. “Above all, these triathletes are commited to making the sport of triathlon better for all athletes.”
About the HOKA ONE ONE® brand
HOKA ONE ONE® is the fastest growing premium running shoe brand in the world. Two life-long runners launched HOKA in 2009, after years spent handcrafting and shaping lightweight shoes with extra-thick midsoles. Initially embraced by ultrarunners because of their enhanced cushioning and inherent stability, HOKA now offers shoes for all types of athletes who enjoy the unique ride the shoes provide. For more information visit www.hokaoneone.com or follow @hokaoneone #hokaoneone.
About Deckers Brands
Deckers Brands is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories developed for both everyday casual lifestyle use and high performance activities. The Company’s portfolio of brands includes UGG®, Teva®, Sanuk®, Ahnu®, and HOKA ONE ONE®. Deckers Brands products are sold in more than 50 countries and territories through select department and specialty stores, Company-owned and operated retail stores, and select online stores, including Company-owned websites. Deckers Brands has a 40-year history of building niche footwear brands into lifestyle market leaders attracting millions of loyal consumers globally. For more information, please visit www.deckers.com.
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