The name
Kiwami is a name made from two words: KIWI and AMI. The KIWI is a flightless bird found only in New Zealand. It is a national emblem of New Zealand and also a nickname used to identify New Zealanders throughout the world. AMI is the French word for “friend”.
Kiwami is also the name we have given to the personality on our logo; a friendly Kiwi-Frenchie (hence the beret-wearing kiwi bird) triathlete. Kiwami personifies our notion of triathlon: international, friendly, life-loving, unique and proud.
When and why ?
Kiwami was created in 2003 by triathletes Craig & Hélène Watson (nee Salomon). After ten years of international competition, and nearing the end of their own careers, Hélène and Craig decided to embark on providing future generations of triathletes with something that had not been readily unavailable in top quality during their racing careers: quality garments that are purposely designed and produced for triathlon competition.
Our mission statement
"To produce first-class triathlon race-wear that is specifically designed and tailored to enhance the performance of the competitor."
European quality
All Kiwami garments are produced in Europe with the help of experienced fashion designers and assembled by qualified fashion industry machinists. Kiwami does not support the use of child labour or labour exploitation.
High-tech textiles
Kiwami uses only top quality fabrics that are adapted for the triathlon; supportive, streamlined and water repellent for swimming; fast drying, body-hugging and comfortable for cycling; lightweight, breathable and flexible for running.
Kiwami is continually searching for and testing new and better materials that will help triathletes to race more efficiently, more comfortably and faster!
Hélène Watson
Hélène began racing triathlon at the age of 22. She was a regular member of the French national triathlon teams from 1994 to 2003.
Her principal results include winning Ironman France 2003, 6th at Ironman Australia 2002, 5th, 6th, 7th and 10th places at World Long Distance Triathlon Championships, 1st at the 2002 French Long Distance Triathlon Championships and 2nd at the French Olympic Distance Triathlon Championships in 1995 Hélène speaks fluent French, English and Spanish!
Craig Watson
Craig began triathlon at the age of 2. He was a regular member of the New Zealand Elite Triathlon Team for World Championship events from 1994 to 2003, and represented New Zealand at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
Craig’s principal results include a 3rd place at the 2001 World Championships, 3rd at the 2001 Goodwill Games, 1st at World Cup France in 2001, and numerous podiums on the World Cup circuit. He also finished 5th at the 1996 and 1997 New Zealand Ironman. He has held the titles of New Zealand Sprint, Olympic and Long Distance Triathlon Champion. Craig speaks fluent English and French.
