Racing in Kona with the Heart of an Athlete: Rudy Project Partners with Team Agar

Denver, CO – Rudy Project is incredibly proud to announce their partnership with Team Agar, a father son team competing in this year’s IRONMAN® World Championship. Team Agar consists of Johnny Agar, a 22-year-old from Grand Rapids, Michigan, and his father Jeff.  Johnny has lived his entire life with cerebral palsy, which affects the part of the brain that controls skeletal muscle and can result in limited movement and reflexes. When Johnny was selected as one of the five athletes to compete in IRONMAN®’s exhibition division for physically challenged athletes, he and his father knew it would be a challenging road to Kona.

“An IRONMAN® really takes every aspect of the body to accomplish. It takes multiple disciplines, but your mind is a powerful tool,” said Johnny when asked why he and his father decided to tackle one of the most grueling endurance sports in the world. “No matter what gets put in front of you, we’re going to focus on finishing the swim, then finishing the bike, then the run.”

During the swim portion, Jeff will pull Johnny behind him, and during the bike portion, Johnny will ride in a chariot behind Jeff’s bike. During the run portion, Johnny will ride in the same chariot until the last mile where he will finish the race by walking it himself.

“For me, walking a mile is like someone else doing a marathon,” said Johnny. “I have to train for it. But the challenge symbolizes life a little bit – you take life in small steps, and you can’t really worry about the bigger things.”

Rudy Project sunglasses and helmets have been critical for the team. Jeff’s biggest concern is getting his biking strong enough to beat the cut off time. “Having the best equipment is a huge psychological advantage,” said Jeff. “When Rudy Project sent us the Wing57 and I put it on for a ride, it feels like I’m cutting through the wind. That feeling is incredible, when you know your gear is working with you, and having great equipment on the bike is vital. And it’s a beautiful helmet.”

Jeff and Johnny have also put Rudy Project’s Sterling road helmet to use, enjoying the comfort and ventilation associated with the brand’s top selling lid. “We know that it’s going to be hot, and we’ll be working hard,” said Jeff, “But we also know that our partners have kitted us out with some great gear.”

In Kona, Johnny is sporting Rudy Project’s ImpactX-2 lens technology. The lenses go from clear to dark in a matter of seconds, a feature that has been much appreciated throughout training. “The sunglasses are really comfortable and light; I can focus on my dad in front of me and don’t have to worry about squinting. It really reduces eye fatigue,” said Johnny.

Jeff’s prescription lenses sport the same Impact X-2 technology, and his new Maya Rx frames are significantly lighter and more comfortable than his older prescription sunglasses. “My old frames were so heavy, they kept sliding off my nose,” said Jeff.

“Team Agar reminds us all what the race is truly about,” said Paul Craig, President and Co-Founder of Rudy Project North America. “It’s about overcoming obstacles, and putting one foot in front of the other until you finish. It’s about challenging yourself to be the best you can be.   Rudy Project is incredibly proud of all of our athletes, including Team Agar, racing in Kona this year. Hats off!”

About Rudy Project

Italian Crafted Sunglasses, Helmets, Googles, + Rx/Prescription Eyewear Since 1985 • 5-Time #1 Most-Worn Aero / TT Helmet at IRONMAN® World Championships • Unbeatable Replacement Lens Guarantee • www.e-rudy.com

Media Contacts:

Simone Cordery-Cotter – simone@gorace.pro 949-272-2476
Riley Lantz – rlantz@gorace.pro 949-272-2461

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