Adidas Outdoor added world champion slackliner Hayley Ashburn, 25, to its roster of athletes. Ashburn started her slacklining career six years ago as part of a training regimen for rock climbing, and in 2010 was named the first-ever Women’s World Champion of Slacklining in Friedrichshafen, Germany.
“Hayley represents a new generation of outdoor athletes looking for different ways to challenge themselves while experiencing the outdoors,” said Greg Thomsen, Adidas Outdoor managing director. “She embodies the future direction of the outdoor community. Her connection to slacklining enables us to introduce our brand to more consumers. We look forward to working with her and being part of this vibrant community.”
Last month, Ashburn was part of the first team to successfully walk a hot air balloon highline in Las Vegas. Additional accomplishments include becoming the first woman to highline Lost Arrow Spire in Yosemite Valley, Calif., and setting the record for highest highline ever by a woman. She has also written two books, Modern Slacklining in 2011, and How to Slackline!, which was published in 2013.
“Last year, we expanded our footwear line to include slacklining-specific shoes that feature Stealth rubber,” continued Thomsen. “We are seeing continued interest in this sport and as it grows, we plan to expand on the line in the future.”
Slacklining originated in climbing camps in Yosemite in the 1970s. Participants try to move, tightrope style, across a thin strip of nylon or polyester webbing secured to two anchor points low to the ground. Over the years slacklining has evolved into a cross trainer, backyard activity and sport of its own.
