Birkie champ to race in 1972 throwback suit
Wed, Feb 17, 2016 - By Ben Wizner
Coon Valley, WI. Cutting edge meets family heritage when Tad Elliott, seeks to honor his Father’s successful skiing career, while attempting to clinch his second American Birkebeiner title this weekend at the 2016 event.
Tad’s father, Mike Elliott, who boasts an impressive race resume, including three straight Olympic games and 17 National titles, has certainly set the bar high for his equally talented son. “I grew up looking up to my Dad, so it will be fun to pay homage to him and his fellow teammates who paved the way in the 60’s and 70’s for US Nordic skiing,” said Tad Elliott.
The suit’s inspiration came from this grainy black and white photo, captured just before the 1972 Olympics, featuring Mike Elliott (front), Bob Gray (middle) and Mike Gallagher (back). Tad’s suit, which is crafted from innovative one-piece race suit pattern, might be just a touch more high-tech, but no doubt, carries the same look as his father’s from 1972. “I’m a proud American and want to show that, and hopefully the throwback suit works magic and hardens me for this 50K," added Elliott.
Tad is one of Borah Teamwear’s sponsored athletes, and represents Ski and Snowboard Club Vail, out of Vail Colorado. Elliott, who won the American Birkebeiner in 2012, not only steps up to the line as a respected champion, but also arrives as the 2016 US National Champion in the men’s 30K freestyle event, held this past January, in Houghton, MI.
Lastly, the team at Borah would like to wish all participants good luck this weekend and to keep an eye out for this throwback suit in the lead pack on Saturday!
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