TENZING signs deals with future Olympic hopefuls as they strive to support a new generation of athletes
TENZING – the plant-based energy drinks brand – has revealed that they have signed two future Olympic hopefuls: Climber, Molly Thompson-Smith and Triathlete, Ben Dijkstra. The brand believes that these partnerships will be crucial in their quest to make plant-based and sustainable energy the norm, particularly in the Climbing and Triathlon worlds where traditional energy drinks have previously ruled.
Ralph Strampfer, Head of Marketing at TENZING revealed: “we’ve always wanted to bring athletes into team TENZING, but we wanted to wait for the right ones. We have long been admirers of Molly & Ben, so it’s a real dream to have them as TENZING’s first athletes.” It seems only fitting for a climber to become one of the brands first official athletes with TENZING’s natural link to climbing. Climbing has developed from a niche sport to one that is growing up to 20% a year and likely to become even more popular as the sport makes its debut at the 2021 Olympics. The UK now has 400 climbing walls and TENZING is fast becoming the go-to drink for climbers – a best-seller in several of London’s most popular walls including VauxWall Climbing Centre.
Molly Thompson-Smith, 23 years old, is the UK’s shining light in Lead Climbing with five national championship titles under her belt. She shared her excitement on the new partnership: “I’m psyched to have found an energy drink that tastes good, and makes me feel good. As someone who cares a lot about what I put into my body, it’s comforting to know all of the ingredients listed on the can and know they’re all natural!” “Spending more time at home over the last year gave me a lot of time and space to realise that there were so many ways I could lead a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. I’ve already had discussions about this with the TENZING team, and they’ve even made me carbon neutral!”
Molly is currently ranked 7th in the World and is set to compete in Paris when Sport Climbing enters the Olympics for the first time this year. Next to climbing, TENZING has become ever present in the Triathlon scene. Since 2018, TENZING has sponsored both the Blenheim Triathlon and London Triathlon – the world’s largest Tri event with 13,000 participants. Ben first started in Triathlon as a ten-year-old after reading a Triathlon magazine and has subsequently gone on to race internationally in the sport. He is currently training at Loughborough and has his sights sent on the podium for when competitions resume later this year.
Ben Dijkstra said: “I wanted to get involved with TENZING because I genuinely believe the product will help my performance. Beyond the product, they work on some great environmental projects that will ensure I live a more planet-friendly lifestyle too – they’re even helping me become carbon neutral!” TENZING has seen very rapid growth over the last few years, with much of the demand being led by millennials and generation Z, seeking plant-based options and who are more than willing to spend on sustainable products that are also healthy. TENZING’s unique offering of plant-based drinks have both energising and hydrating qualities which make it usable at the first sign of fatigue, whether pre, during or after activity.
Ralph Strampfer, added: “We’re excited to work closely with Molly & Ben on the creation of bespoke events, sustainability initiatives and upcoming advertising campaigns. They both share our love for adventure, the great outdoors and respect for nature. We will be supporting them with our natural energy, and giving them the platform to inspire a new generation who care about their body and the planet in two sports that have always been close to our brand.”
The launch comes at a crucial time for TENZING with lockdown easing and the reinstatement of mass participation events and opening of gyms and climbing centres. TENZING’s aim to drive sustainability to all aspects of the business will also see them make each athlete Carbon Neutral too. Travelling is a particularly huge part of any athlete’s career, but with it comes a high level of carbon emissions – an innovative and welcomed addition by the athletes.
