How Connecting with Sports Communities Builds Su Yiming’s Confidence on the Slopes
The Chinese snowboarder speaks with Hypebeast about communities, relaxation and his personal style.
The 2024 Paris Olympics have just come to a close. About 10,500 athletes from 203 countries and regions competed in 329 sporting events. Through team efforts and individual perseverance, they pushed their limits and pursued gold with courage and determination.
The markings on the sporting fields are just as vital as the athletes that were competing From the starting lines on a track to the sidelines on a football pitch, these markings define the competition space and rules. These lines are also links to diverse communities, spanning athletes to artists, representing a shared spirit across different sectors.
The lines on different sports grounds inspired the design of ADIDAS Z.N.E., bringing sports, fashion and culture together – connecting people across various sports and communities through shared passions. The launch assembled over 10,000 athletes and partners to wear pieces from the collection, sharing their connections to sports in everyday life within 96 hours of its release.
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During ADIDAS Z.N.E.’s 96-hour social media takeover, next-gen stars such as Jude Bellingham, Tate McRae and Noah Lyles also made appearances. Hypebeast caught up with Chinese snowboarder, Su Yiming to discuss his thoughts on ADIDAS Z.N.E. as well as his connections with other communities.
What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see the ADIDAS Z.N.E. white range?
As a snowboarder, white holds a unique meaning for me. It represents the snow and purity, which I see as a positive symbol.
What do the ADIDAS Z.N.E. black stripes remind you of?
When I first saw the black stripes, it made me think of my snowboard. To me, the stripes are versatile and don’t have a fixed meaning. It could be the starting line of a track, a basketball hoop or even something that is spotted in your everyday life.
What are your favorite details from the ADIDAS Z.N.E. you’re wearing right now?
First, it’s the color. I tend to choose simple colors in my daily life, with black and white being my go-to. I also really like the design and how loose-fitting it is on me.
If you were to create your custom ADIDAS Z.N.E., what elements would you include?
I might add a butterfly emblem to this outfit to reflect the special significance butterflies have for me.
How does wearing pieces from the ADIDAS Z.N.E line make you feel?
It’s very comfortable and loose-fitting. I can see myself styling it with various pieces that will look good for everyday wear.
What are your daily tips for self-care and relaxation? Snowboarding is one of my favorite things to do. But when I’m not on the slopes, I wind down by listening to music and chilling with friends. I find that wearing an outfit like this on my way to snowboard practice would also be quite comforting and uplifting.
Do you often hang out with athletes of other disciplines? What kind of energy or support do you get from them?
I do interact with athletes who specialize in other types of sports too. While the way we perform may differ, our goals and desire for success are the same. I’ve been fortunate to create strong bonds with my wider team, which has helped boost my confidence on the slopes. I’m always trying to learn from everyone!
What are your expectations for the ADIDAS Z.N.E. lineup?
I’m really happy to be part of the ADIDAS Z.N.E. lineup – the energy here is incredible. I also hope that all these fresh and diverse perspectives will come together to create something unique and exciting in the near future.
In the interview, Su Yiming spoke about community culture and the spirit of connection, which are also core values behind ADIDAS Z.N.E. The line symbolizes the connection between different cultures and communities through a shared passion for sports. Beyond his well-known snowboarding career, Yiming is also involved in skateboarding, fashion, music and acting. As previously highlighted, his interactions with people from various sporting communities not only forged connections for him but also helped to enhance his confidence and performance on the slopes.
The ADIDAS Z.N.E. incorporates the spirit of community and connection into its design, offering a range of items from hoodies, sweatshirts, T-shirts to shorts. The collection maintains its signature minimalist style and colors, utilizing Primeknit fabric that was developed in collaboration with athletes to ensure a comfortable, non-disruptive experience. The distinctive black stripes are inspired by markings from various sports grounds— from Noah Lyles’ running tracks to the football fields of Jude Bellingham, Alessia Russo and Paulo Dybala, alongside Tate McRae and Babymonster’s stages. These black stripes also represent the lines that connect different communities and people, creating connections through a mutual love of sports and culture.
Sporting minimalist designs and signature black stripes, the ADIDAS Z.N.E. offers comfort while seeking to inspire unity among diverse communities. The ADIDAS Z.N.E. collection is now available via adidas and select retailers.
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