Have faith in yourself. Don’t give up! ‘The Future Awaits’

Have faith in yourself. Don’t give up! ‘The Future Awaits’ is the moving ad for apparel company Varlo, dramatising a glimpse into the journey of Sika Henry, the first female African American professional triathlete. 

Sika Henry has been one of the leading advocates for generating more diversity in the sport of triathlon and a role model for the under-represented ethnic minorities to follow their dream. 

The video narrated by her father tells of Sika Henry’s journey as a triathlete from the time she was a toddler learning to swim to the present day (where she and her father make an appearance). 

Sika’s journey has not all been plain sailing, none more so than when she thought of quitting triathlon after a horrific bike crash whilst competing in the 2019 Ironman 70.3 Texas. Find out more by clicking the link below: 

Quitting Triathlon is not an Option – Sika Henry 

With a degree in economics and career working as a Corporate Analyst for Ferguson Enterprises who would have blamed her for quitting triathlon. But Sika is made of sterner stuff – she does not take flight she fights.  

Reflecting on her father’s words – Have faith in yourself. Don’t give up! – Sika with renewed focus, and fresh mentality, continued on with her role model mission and made history on May 2, 2021, at Challenge Cancun, qualifying for her USA Triathlon Elite license to become the first U.S. Black female professional triathlete in history. 

Sika Henry picked up her sponsored partnership with Varlo, an apparel company founded by Soj Jibowu. A former Division 1 Track and Field athlete Soj came across his first multi-sport race in Chicago and was so captivated by the athleticism, endurance, and displayed work ethic of the participants, he decided to get involved as best possible 

So, 60 races later, Soj found himself imbedded into the sport and cycling lifestyle and has been the primary driver to create Varlo. Establishing a team of designers and textile engineers he set about on delivering a speed advantage to the triathlon and multi-sports community through researched design of sporting apparel. 

Varlo’s aim is to provide best in class garments made with Italian and Swiss fabrics and crafted with French techniques, Varlo has curated a modern take to redefine the language of performance.