Industry News
Australian nordic skiing competitor Mark Pollock took advantage of the warm weather at the FIS Ski World Championships in Oberstdorf, Germany, to compete in a singlet and compression shorts. His outfit choice quickly made him into an internet sensation in the world of winter sports, in particular in Australia and Europe. According to Yahoo Sport Australia, Pollock decided to forego the typical one-piece skinsuit usually worn by athletes in favor of clothes more fitting for the 37º F (3º C) conditions at the track on February 27.
In addition to his clothing, news.com.au reports, he also competed without gloves, headwear, or the usual goggles worn by competitors.
The 28-year-old’s outfit did not help his results, however. He finished 95th overall in the 10km final (for which he wore pants rather than shorts) and did not finish the 15km double pursuit. He was lapped by the leader and eventual winner, Aleksandr Bolshunov of Russia.
Pollock discussed his outfit and his results in an interview after the race. He claimed that his apparel choice was not that unusual, as he “always get[s] hot at races” but was more concerned with his unsatisfying outcomes than with his internet stardom. As he said afterward, “I am very disappointed that I was caught.”
Mark Pollock 🇦🇺 at the WC Cross Country Skiathlon today.
Temperature in Oberstdorf: 37° F / 3° C #Oberstdorf2021 pic.twitter.com/3ZLL16DwCN
— René Bugner (@RNBWCV) February 27, 2021
