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Toyota Celebrates Winter Athletes' Commitment and Achievements as Winter Olympics Approach

Toyota has taken the opportunity to shine a spotlight on its dedication to winter sports by celebrating the achievements and aspirations of its Team Toyota Winter Olympic and Paralympic athletes. These remarkable athletes exemplify courage, perseverance, and excellence in their sporting disciplines as they gear up for the upcoming Olympic events.

Dedra DeLilli, Vice President of Marketing Communications at Toyota Motor North America, emphasized the company's pride in supporting these athletes. She noted the significant milestones they have achieved throughout their careers, acknowledging both their triumphs and setbacks. “These world-class athletes have faced many challenges, proving their determination and commitment. We feel honored to accompany them on their journey,” DeLilli stated.

Toyota's support for winter sports is not merely transactional; it is rooted in long-lasting partnerships with national governing bodies such as U.S. Ski & Snowboard, USA Track & Field, and USA Swimming. Through sponsorship of major events like the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix series and other championship competitions, Toyota plays a key role in facilitating opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents.

One notable initiative is Toyota Racing Development's (TRD) collaboration with U.S. Para athletes, focusing on innovative technology to enhance their performance. This partnership has previously led to the creation of specially designed equipment, such as the sit-ski for Paralympic champion Andrew Kurka, which made its debut during the Paralympic Winter Games in Beijing 2022. Oksana Masters, another distinguished Team Toyota athlete, has benefitted from advancements in wheelchair glove design and tailored equipment aimed at optimizing her performance.

Spotlight on Team Toyota Athletes

Team Toyota is home to a group of exceptional athletes who have made significant contributions to their respective sports:

• - Jessie Diggins (Cross-Country Skiing): A highly accomplished member since 2021, she is a four-time U.S. Olympian and Olympic gold medalist from PyeongChang 2018.
• - Red Gerard (Snowboard): Since 2018, he has secured two Olympic appearances and is celebrated for his gold medal in slopestyle.
• - Erin Jackson (Speedskating): The trailblazer became the first Black woman to earn an individual Olympic gold in speedskating, making waves since joining Team Toyota in 2020.
• - Andrew Kurka (Para Alpine Skiing): His partnership with TRD highlights how innovative technology is reshaping para-sport.
• - Oksana Masters (Para-Nordic Skiing): With 19 medals under her belt, she stands as the most decorated winter Paralympian in history.

In addition to these core athletes, Toyota also proudly recognizes multiple U.S. Ski & Snowboard athlete ambassadors, including Rosie Brennan, Ryan Cochran-Siegle, and Alex Ferreira, who also embody the spirit of achievement and determination.

As fans gear up for the Winter Olympics, they can follow the journeys of these athletes by connecting with Team Toyota on Instagram (@TeamToyota). The excitement of the Olympic Games is matched only by the remarkable stories of resilience and excellence represented by each of these athletes. Through their collaboration with Toyota, they not only highlight personal achievements but also inspire the next generation of athletes to aspire great heights in sport.

Conclusion

Toyota's commitment extends beyond sports sponsorship; it represents a dedication to innovation, excellence, and support for athletes who strive to achieve their dreams. As the Winter Olympics approaches, the collective journeys of Team Toyota athletes exemplify what it means to face challenges with determination and grace, and Toyota is proud to stand alongside them every step of the way.

For further insights and updates on Toyota's initiatives, visit www.ToyotaNewsroom.com.