Ainslie Visits Corum With Olympic Gold Medal

On October 21st, celebrated British sailor and Olympic gold medalist Ben Ainslie paid a visit to the Corum workshops in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland.   Ainslie, who wears a Corum Admiral's Cup timepiece during his aquatic escapades, found himself in warmly receptive company as the employees of Corum and CEO Antonio Calce gathered to meet the athlete.  For his part, Ainslie enjoyed a tour of the workshop, gaining an appreciation of the micro-mechanical arts practiced by the Corum watchmakers.

"Ben’s maturity, charisma, modesty and determination to succeed reflect Corum’s values perfectly," said Calce.  "His feat provides a key message that we share with him. He proves to each of us that when we are driven by passion, great achievements are within reach and that it is a team’s combined efforts, solidarity and complementarity that bring victory. Ben is more than just a brand ambassador: he is a very generous person, and we consider him one of Corum’s friends, an integral part of our family who actively participates in our company’s success."

A highlight of the occasion was Ainslie's presentation of his recently won gold medal, an object of clear pride to both Calce, and the entire Corum team.  Ainslie, who enjoys a reputation as Great Britain's greatest yachtsman, previously took home gold at both the Olympic Games in 2000 and 2004, as well as several world championships.  His first Olympic medal, a silver, was obtained at the 1996 Atlanta games, when Ainslie was just nineteen.  The sailor's next goal is to win the America's Cup and again claim the gold medal at the 2012 London Games. 

Discussing his motivations and passionate connection with the Corum brand, Ainslie stated:  “Knowing that one is supported by so many people pulling for you as one is a feeling that moves you beyond your limits and allows you to tap into your confidence, strength and motivation, and to achieve new successes. Timepieces have always fascinated me but today I am seeing watches that unite aestheticism, avant-gardism, expertise and legitimacy. Since I first began wearing the Admiral’s Cup Tides model, I am never without it, because it combines a complication movement that is unique in the world and represents an indispensable navigation instrument featuring essential functions, all encased in a timepiece with an aesthetic appeal that will never go out of style.”