Suzuki Reaches New Heights With Olympic Champion

LAVERTON, AUSTRALIA – March 8, 2011: Suzuki Australia has announced Olympic champion aerial skier Lydia Lassila as its first brand ambassador. Lydia is also the current aerial skiing World Cup Champion and World Record holder.

The partnership is a timely and valued addition for the 29-year-old gold medalist.

“The first car I ever wanted was a Suzuki Vitara and now I’m very happy to be sitting behind the wheel of one,” she said.

“The Grand Vitara is so easy to drive in everyday city traffic, and I can’t wait to test out the 4x4 system when I take it to the alps in winter.”

Lydia Lassila capped off a brilliant two years of aerial skiing competition in Vancouver 2010, reaching the very top of her sport in more ways than one.

The AIS scholarship holder set a new Olympic record point score in winning the gold medal with a seemingly nerveless performance, becoming only the fifth Australian to reach the top of a Winter Olympic podium.

The most successful Australian aerial skier of our generation will resume training later this year as part of her campaign to defend her Gold Medal at Sochi in Russia in 2014, but this time as a mother.

With the new arrival expected in May, Lydia said the new Grand Vitara was already shaping as the ultimate all-rounder.

“I love the keyless entry and it is so easy to drive and park, yet there’s so much room inside. My golf clubs are always in the Grand Vitara and getting them in and out with ease has been great practice for packing all of the baby’s gear!”

Suzuki Australia General Manager Tony Devers said the company was proud to join forces with one of the country’s leading sports stars.

“Suzuki has a long association with winter sports and we are very happy to welcome Lydia to the Suzuki family,” Devers said.

Lydia joins an extensive Suzuki sponsorship portfolio including the National Snowsport Series, Kite boarding titles and the Melbourne Storm.