Today we’d like to introduce you to Damar Forbes.
Hi Damar, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was a determined and ambitious young athlete from Jamaica who attended Martin Luther King Jr High School in Lithonia. Through hard work & perseverance, I was able to earn a scholarship to run track at LSU. My journey led me to win a National Championship and eventually turn professional.
Being a professional athlete meant consistently competing at the highest level, which takes a toll on your body. Injuries posed a constant threat, forcing me to race against time to recover. In 2018, I tore my calf muscle, putting my career in jeopardy. By 2019, I was in a precarious position. My contract with Puma was up for renegotiation, but my previous injury had put me on a tight leash. Unfortunately, I couldn’t perform as expected, and to add to the challenge, I suffered another injury towards the end of the year.
It was at this critical juncture that I took control of my destiny and founded my own business, Airborne Sports LLC. Initially, my goal was to give back to young athletes by coaching and mentoring them. Over time, I pivoted to a product-based model, focusing on sports performance glasses. Having a deep passion for eyewear, I aimed to create a brand specifically tailored for athletes. I understood the unique needs of athletes when it came to eyewear during competitions, and I aspired for my brand to be the top choice for sports performance glasses.
Although I gained some recognition in the track world, I am determined to expand the reach of my brand. Our slogan, “Rise To New Levels,” embodies the spirit of perseverance, a quality I take great pride in. I hope every athlete wearing my brand feels this determination and resilience, pushing them to new heights in their endeavors.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being a professional athlete meant enduring the relentless demand of competing at the highest level, a challenge that exacts a toll on the body. Injuries were an ever-present threat, forcing me into a race against time to recover. In 2018, I tore my calf muscle, casting a shadow over my career. By 2019, I found myself in a precarious situation. My contract with Puma was up for renegotiation, but my prior injury had left me on a tight leash. Regrettably, my performance fell short of expectations, and to compound the challenge, I suffered another injury towards the end of the year. I had to temporarily set aside the sport I had dedicated over two decades to in order to contemplate my next move. The decision was far from easy, yet it proved to be immensely valuable in the end.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My primary role involves coaching collegiate track & field athletes in sprints and jumps. During my spare moments, I dedicate my time to refining and expanding my business, focusing on enhancing glass designs to broaden my collection of sports-performance eyewear. I take immense pride in the progress of the young athletes I’ve mentored; witnessing their growth brings me great satisfaction. Moreover, I am proud of establishing a successful glasses line and building it to the level I envisioned. Reflecting on my journey, I am filled with pride, acknowledging how far I have come from my humble beginnings. Although I have yet to reach my ultimate goal, the stark contrast between my past and present fuels my determination. What distinguishes me is my unique perspective as a two-time Olympian and collegiate coach; this firsthand experience equips me with a precise understanding of what athletes require to perform at their best with sunglasses on.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
If people want to support or collaborate with us, they can visit our website at www.airbornesportswear.com. Alternatively, they can get in touch by emailing us at info.airbornesports@gmail.com or by reaching out to us on Instagram at @airbornesports.
Pricing:
- Sunglasses from $45- $70
Contact Info:
- Website: www.airbornesportswear.com
- Instagram: airbornesports
- Facebook: airbornesports
Image Credits
Olumide Olamigoke Jr. Tremaine Harris Duan Asemota
