Kukri Sports Powers British Rowing to Golden Glory at European Championships
United Kingdom
Great Britain’s rowing team delivered a stunning performance at the 2025 European Rowing Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria (29 May – 1 June), finishing top of the overall medal table to defend their European title.
Of the 39 athletes selected, 28 were crowned champions of Europe, marking one of British Rowing’s most successful European campaigns to date, fuelled by the debut of Kukri’s new high-performance rowing suits.
High-Performance Kukri Rowing Suits Make Championship Debut
Worn for the first time at a major European event, Kukri’s high-performance rowing suits supported all GB crews, delivering comfort, confidence and elite performance on the water.
British Rowing’s crews claimed nine medals, six of which were gold, that underlined the power of preparation and benefits of cutting-edge kit.
Rising Stars & Record Breakers
Reigning Olympic champion, Lauren Henry, delivered one of the performances of the championships in the Women’s single sculls, claiming gold in her first senior international regatta in this boat class.
“To make the podium is really, really special. I wanted to come here and make a name for myself and I feel like I’ve done that.
“I want to be World Champion, I want to be Olympic Champion, I want to break the world best time, I want to be the most successful British single sculler ever. That’s my aim. I’ve still got many years to go — but watch this space!”
Benjamin Pritchard Sets Records & Makes History
Paralympic champion Bejamin Pritchard made his mark with a gold medal in the PR1 Men’s single sculls, setting a world best time of 08:40.38.
“I’m the first ever British PR1 European Champion. Full stop,” Pritchard said.
“Getting a World best time twice in a week is all pretty special to go down in the history books for that. I’m just getting started.”
More Medals & European Best Times
GB Rowing Team’s success continued with a gold, silver and two bronze medals on the first day of the finals.
The women’s quadruple sculls crew of Sarah McKay, Lola Anderson, Cam Nyland and Becky Wilde stormed to gold in a European Championship best time, highlighting the strength in depth across the team, with the women’s eight team also putting on a show to win their race in style.
The GB Men’s eight made history of their own, defeating a powerful Dutch crew by just 0.24 seconds to claim their fifth consecutive European title, setting a new British record in the process and reinforcing their dominance on the continental stage.
Pushing the Limits with Kukri
“We are very proud to have played a part in this golden chapter for British Rowing,” said Andy Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.
“There’s a real sense of pride in seeing our suits contribute to history being made, and supporting these fantastic athletes as they continue to chase greatness.”
Looking Ahead
Next up this season, British Rowing will be competing in the World Rowing Cup Varese from 13 – 15 June, with all six European gold medal winning crews returning to represent Great Britain.
Kukri stands proudly behind British Rowing – delivering elite sportswear that performs at the highest level.
Kukri Sports and UK Sports Institute Extend Strategic Partnership
Kukri Sports is proud to announce the extension of its successful partnership with the UK Sports Institute (UKSI), reinforcing Kukri’s commitment to supporting elite athletes across the UK with high-performance, sustainable sportswear.
Since the partnership began in 2022, Kukri has served as the Official Kit Supplier to UKSI, providing bespoke apparel for over 400 staff across multiple centres nationwide. This collaboration has been instrumental in delivering high-quality, functional, and inclusive kit solutions tailored to the needs of practitioners supporting Olympic, Paralympic, and Commonwealth sports.
A notable highlight of the partnership has been a ongoing sustainability initiative and started in 2024, where Kukri and UKSI successfully recycled 1,274 kilograms of legacy kit, saving 585kg of carbon emissions—the equivalent of driving 1,379 miles in a standard petrol car or charging 65,444 smartphones.
“We’re delighted to extend our partnership with Kukri for another year. We’ve worked together for several years now and we have valued their commitment to innovation in that time. Kukri’s collaborative approach has enabled us to develop initiatives together, from the range of kit we can offer our team through to sustainability projects such as the kit recycling programme, which has been a success” – Tash Carpenter, Director of Communications at UKSI.
Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports, commented, “Extending our partnership with UKSI underscores our dedication to supporting the UK’s high-performance sports community. We look forward to continuing our collaboration, focusing on innovation and sustainability.”
As the partnership continues, Kukri and UKSI are committed to developing advanced kit solutions that meet the evolving needs of support staff, ensuring excellence in performance and environmental responsibility.
UK Sport Institute
The UK Sports Institute (UKSI) provides outstanding support that enables Olympic and Paralympic sports and athletes to excel. The UKSI is the largest single provider of world-class science, medicine, technology, data and engineering services within the sport sector to Olympic and Paralympic sports in the UK.
At Kukri Sports, we pride ourselves on being more than just a sportswear provider. We believe in building lasting partnerships that extend beyond supplying high-quality apparel. One of our core values is to add meaningful value to our collaborations, whether through community involvement, educational initiatives, or fostering young talent.
Recently, we had the privilege of visiting our valued partner, Reigate Grammar School, to deliver an insightful lecture to students offering a real-life example of how a global sportswear brand puts sustainability and ethical practices into action. The session explored Kukri’s five key CSR pillars—Reuse, Reduce, Recycle, Responsible, and Review—demonstrating how the company minimises its environmental impact, supports workers’ rights, and engages with local communities. Designed to inspire the next generation, the presentation gave students valuable insight into how businesses can balance profit with purpose and contribute positively to society and the planet.
“We are proud to partner with Reigate Grammar School and support their students’ development by sharing industry knowledge and insights. It’s fantastic to see schools like Reigate Grammar prioritising education beyond the classroom and valuing real-world experiences,” said Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports.
Why Added Value Matters
In today’s competitive landscape, schools are increasingly looking to partner with brands that go beyond just providing a product. The concept of added value has become integral in the decision-making process for educational institutions seeking long-term partnerships. Schools like Reigate Grammar are looking for brands that invest in their students’ personal and professional growth, giving them opportunities to learn, develop skills, and gain industry insight.
At Kukri Sports, we are committed to delivering more than just exceptional sportswear. Our collaboration with Reigate Grammar School exemplifies this philosophy. By offering our industry knowledge and insights through our presentation, we aimed to inspire students to think creatively about the world of sports and beyond.
Empowering the Future
We firmly believe that nurturing young minds and helping them gain a deeper understanding of the sportswear sector is an investment in the future. We value the opportunity to work alongside progressive schools like Reigate Grammar, where the emphasis on holistic student development aligns with our own brand ethos.
Through initiatives like this, Kukri Sports continues to demonstrate that we are more than just a brand – we are partners in education, inspiration, and community development. We look forward to building on this partnership and supporting the next generation of leaders and innovators in the sports industry.
Paralympic Icon Hannah Cockroft Joins Kukri Sports as New Ambassador
United Kingdom
Kukri Sports is thrilled to welcome one of Britain’s most decorated para-athletes, Hannah Cockroft, as its newest brand ambassador, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to inclusivity, performance and empowering athletes at every level.
A Shared Vision of Inclusion and Excellence
A nine-time Paralympic champion, multiple world-record holder and trailblazer in para-sport, Hannah has been a dominant force in wheelchair racing since making her debut for Great Britain at the age of 18.
Her career has long been connected to the national athletics system in the UK, including events supported by England Athletics and British Athletics. Through domestic competitions, talent pathways and advocacy for para-athletes, Hannah has been a visible and vocal figure across the athletics landscape.
As the official kit provider for England Athletics, Kukri has championed athletes like Hannah from grassroots through to elite level. This includes proud support for the Youth Talent Programme, which plays a vital role in developing young athletes, both able-bodied and para, as part of the England Athletics talent pathway.
This shared, inclusive approach reflects Kukri’s belief in championing potential across all disciplines, ensuring the next generation of stars has access to opportunity, resources and representation to help fulfil their potential.
“The First Kit Provider to Join My Team in 17 Years”
“Having the opportunity to be an ambassador for Kukri Sports is incredible – they’re the first kit provider to join my team in 17 years,” Hannah said.
“It means so much to me that they’re supporting a para-athlete, a group who are so often overlooked.
“I find it amazing that Kukri supports athletes at all levels, because the grassroots element is so often ignored, so to be able to work with a brand who have the same values as me makes me feel proud.
“I’m excited to work on developing the perfect kit for me, to gain new experiences, and to be part of something bigger than just sport.”
The announcement follows Kukri’s partnership extension with Team England, where they will continue as the official kit supplier through to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
A Legacy of Dominance on the Global Stage
Nicknamed ‘Hurricane Hannah’ for her explosive power on the track, Hannah has delivered landmark moments throughout her illustrious career. She made her paralympic debut at the London 2012 Olympic Games, capturing gold in the T34 100m and 200m events, while setting two new paralympic records in the process.
Her dominance continued with triple gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and double gold in the 2024 Paralympic Games, bringing her paralympic gold medal tally to nine. She is also the most decorated British athlete in WorldChampionship history, with 16 titles to her name.
Currently, she holds the T34 world records for 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m and 1500m—an unprecedented feat. In 2022, Hannah was appointed OBE in the King’s New Year Honours followed by CBE in last year’s New Year Honours list, recognising not only her sporting excellence but her tireless advocacy for inclusion and representation in sport.
She was also named British Sportswoman of the Year by the Sports Journalists’ Association in 2017, the first para-athlete to ever receive the award in its 57-year history.
Cockroft has been a proud member of Team England, famously leading a 1-2-3 finish in the T34 100m at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. Kukri’s ongoing partnership with Team England ensures elite athletes like Hannah are equipped to perform at their best on the global stage.
On Track For 2025
Hannah’s 2025 season is already off to a promising start. She recently kicked things off with a 10-day training camp in Switzerland, where she also opened her competitive season.
“I’m currently in Switzerland, where I’ve been on a 10-day training camp before my season opener last weekend,” she shared. “Although there were no records broken, I set World Lead times in the 1000m, 400m and 800m events, so it’s a good place to start.”
With two more meets to go before returning to the UK next week, Hannah has had a busy few days and is laying strong foundations for what promises to be another standout year.
New Goals, Same Drive
Looking ahead, Cockroft is focused on defending her world titles at the 2025 World Para Athletics Championships in New Delhi this September and is already laying the groundwork for a historic fifth Paralympic Games appearance at Los Angeles 2028.
“I still have things I want to achieve”, she said.
“I’d love to hold the Paralympic, World, European and Commonwealth titles all at once, and I really believe I can be the first T34 woman to break 16 seconds in the 100m event. “
Empowering the Next Generation
Hannah’s passion for her sports extends well beyond competition. A champion for inclusion and accessibility, she regularly runs ‘come and try’ days for aspiring athletes, holds coaching qualifications, and uses her platform to advocate for better visibility and resources for para-sport.
“When I was growing up, it was so hard to even find out how to get involved in para-sport,” she explained.
“That’s why I try to give back, to make it easier for the next generation to discover what’s possible.
“Of course, we’re still lagging behind in many areas, from sponsorship and funding to spectator sport outside of Paralympic years, but I think opportunity has grown and that’s the most important place to start, as more champions coming through will hopefully then bring the rest with it.”
From the training track to the world’s biggest stage, having the right kit is crucial, and Hannah knows how vital those details are.
“In wheelchair racing, we put so much effort into aerodynamics and speed, so I like my kit to be close fitting, comfortable and doesn’t distract me at the start of a race.”
Standing Together for a More Inclusive Future
As Kukri continues to strengthen its commitment to inclusive sport, the partnership with Hannah marks another significant step forward in championing para-athletes.
“We’re incredibly proud to welcome Hannah to the Kukri family,” said Andrew Ronnie, Group CEO at Kukri Sports.
“She’s not only one of Britain’s most successful athletes, but also a passionate advocate for inclusion and the growth of para-sport. Her values align perfectly with ours, and we’re excited to support her journey and work with her to achieve her mission.”
With shared values of performance, representation and opportunity at every level of sport, the partnership between Kukri Sports and Hannah Cockroft is set to empower the next generation of athletes, on and off the track.
As preparations begin for this year’s World Para Athletics Championships and beyond, Kukri is proud to stand alongside Hannah in her pursuit of even more excellence and in shaping a more inclusive future for sport.
Kukri Sports and the University of Leicester Extend Successful Partnership
United Kingdom
The successful partnership between Kukri Sports and the University of Leicester has been extended through a new multi-year agreement. This renewal strengthens Kukri’s ongoing commitment to university sport, as we continue to deliver high-performance apparel to students and athletes.
The partnership, which has flourished over recent years, will continue to see Kukri Sports as the official kit supplier for the University’s sports teams, providing a full range of high-quality, customised sportswear and leisurewear for both performance and recreational use.
“We’re delighted to extend our relationship with the University of Leicester,” said Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports. “This partnership reflects our shared values of excellence, inclusivity and innovation, and we’re excited to continue supporting the University’s vibrant sporting community with premium kit and service.”
The University of Leicester is home to a dynamic student sports scene, with over 50 sports teams competing across BUCS and local leagues. This extension ensures that athletes and students will benefit from Kukri’s technical expertise, bespoke designs, and outstanding customer service.
“We’re incredibly grateful to Kukri Sports for extending our partnership and their continued commitment to our teams and athletes. It’s been a fantastic journey so far, and we’re looking forward to the next two years of collaboration – united by our shared values and a passion for excellence in university sport.”Lewis Jones, Sport Experience Manager, University of Leicester.
The university offers an extensive range of courses, across a wide range of subjects for undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes. The university is unique as being the only university in Europe founded by its community as a memorial to those who made sacrifices during the First World War – the university motto is: Ut vitam habeant – So that they have life. Find out more about the University of Leicester
If you are interested in partnering with Kukri Sports, or want to know how we can help – Get in touch.
Kukri Sports Extends Partnership with British Wheelchair Basketball
United Kingdom
Kukri Sports is proud to announce the extension of its successful partnership with British Wheelchair Basketball, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the development and growth of inclusive sport across the UK.
As the official kit supplier to British Wheelchair Basketball, Kukri will continue to provide high-quality, performance-driven apparel for all national teams, officials, and community programmes until 2029. This extension solidifies a longstanding collaboration built on shared values of excellence, inclusivity, and innovation.
British Wheelchair Basketball is the national governing body for the sport in the UK, fostering talent from grassroots initiatives through to elite competition. With participation and engagement in wheelchair basketball at an all-time high, this renewed partnership will ensure athletes at all levels have access to bespoke kit designed for performance and comfort. so they can focus on the game.
Josh Beal, Sales Director at Kukri Sports:“We are delighted to extend our partnership with British Wheelchair Basketball. Their dedication to growing the sport and providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities aligns perfectly with our mission to support diverse sporting communities. We look forward to continuing to innovate and provide the highest quality apparel to support BWB’s athletes on their journey to success.”
Justine Baynes, CEO, British Wheelchair Basketball“Having worked with Kukri for a couple of years, I know they are committed to partnership working, establishing lines of communications with athletes at every level, to ensure that they can provide and offer British Wheelchair Basketball athletes and wider volunteers the best possible apparel. I am particularly excited to work in partnership to highlight some amazing community stories, to increase the visibility of our inclusive and accessible community”
With major competitions on the horizon, including international championships and domestic league events, the partnership between Kukri Sports and British Wheelchair Basketball ensures that the teams and wider wheelchair basketball community will have the best possible support to perform at their best. Find out more about British Wheelchair Basketball
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Kukri Sports supports ’26 Mountains to Mayo’ Challenge in Support of Cancer Fund for Children
Ireland
Kukri Sports is proud to announce its support for the ’26 Mountains to Mayo’ Challenge, a powerful initiative aiming to raise over £1 million for Cancer Fund for Children – ensuring that no child in Ireland faces cancer alone.
A gruelling journey with a powerful purpose
The gruelling nine-day challenge, developed by Roger Johnston, will see a team of 26 business leaders from Ireland and the USA, including former Ulster Rugby player Declan Fitzpatrick, climb the highest point in every county across Ireland.
Starting with Errigal in Donegal on Saturday 7 June, the group will journey through Ulster, Connacht, Leinster and Munster, before finishing at Mweelrea in Mayo on Saturday 15 June.
Kukri’s support
As part of its ongoing commitment to support meaningful causes, Kukri is providing bespoke, high-performance training-wear including t-shirts and jackets to support the participants.
“I am truly excited and thankful for the partnership between our 26 Mountains to Mayo team and Kukri,” said challenge founder Roger Johnston.
“The t-shirts and jackets have really added to the shared identity of our team of 25 business leaders who are taking part in the challenge, and we will wear them proudly during our training and during the challenge.
“One of my key aims when setting up this challenge was to mobilise business across Northern Ireland to get behind the Cancer Fund for Children and their critical mission to ensure that no child in Ireland needs to go through the disease alone.
“Kukri have truly stepped up to this call, and for that we are very thankful.”
Neil Patterson, Kukri Sports Country Manager for Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland, expressed his pride in supporting such a vital mission.
“At Kukri, we believe in the power of sport to unite, inspire, and drive meaningful change.
“We’re honoured to support this challenge with high-performance kit that reflects the team’s commitment and determination.
“This isn’t just a physical challenge – it’s a powerful statement of solidarity with children and families facing cancer. We’re proud to stand with Roger and his incredible team in support of this vital cause.”
Participants have already begun rigorous training for what promises to be a once in a lifetime experience.
A challenge that resonates with many
Wayne Pollock, one of the volunteers shared:
“The challenge to me is very personal. I lost my mum to breast cancer when I was 21 years of age.
“Having my own child after that, we have been involved with Cancer Fund for Children for some time now,” he said.
“It’s an outstanding challenge with an amazing team and support around us. It’s really extreme, but we’re determined to raise an incredible amount to make sure that no kid in Ireland has to face cancer alone.”
Fellow volunteer, Graeme Neil, added:
“Being involved in the challenge is probably one of the most important things I have done in my life.
“It’s very humbling and gratifying to know that we’re helping children not to face cancer alone and also help provide support to their families.
“Like everybody else, I’m really excited and nervous, but the motivation for me and the group will be the difference we can hopefully make to people’s lives.”
How you can support
The ‘26 Mountains to Mayo’ Challenge is more than just a physical feat – it’s a movement to ensure that no child in Ireland has to face cancer alone. Every step the team takes is in support of children and families who urgently need help and hope.
Join Kukri and the 26M2M team in making a real difference – every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to the £1 million goal. CLICK HERE to donate.
Inclusivity in Sport: Championing Gender Equality in Sport
At Kukri Sports, we believe that sport should be equal – not just in opportunity, but in the way athletes are supported, represented, and equipped to perform at their best. Gender equality in sport isn’t a trend. It’s a vital commitment – one we take seriously through every product we design, every partnership we build, and every story we help tell.
We’re proud to work with leading women’s teams and organisations, including Loughborough Lightning, Netball NI, and other institutions such as Commonwealth Games England (CGE), England Athletics, and British Gymnastics – all of whom are playing a critical role in pushing female sport forward.
Sportswear Designed by and for Women At Kukri, we go beyond simply resizing male kits. Our approach is built around listening to and working directly with elite female athletes to develop performance wear that meets the physical, psychological, and technical needs of women in sport. From kit fitting to fabric choices and design features, every detail is developed with purpose.
We understand that comfort and confidence are key to performance. Female-specific fits ensure athletes can focus fully on their sport rather than adjusting their kit – a point echoed by Loughborough Lightning Women’s Football Team, who shared:
“Wearing kit that’s specifically designed for the female body makes a huge difference. Female-fitted clothing is more comfortable, more practical, and allows for better movement and coverage. When your kit fits properly, you’re not distracted by having to adjust it or feeling restricted – you can fully focus on your game, your performance, and your team. It gives you confidence knowing that what you’re wearing is made with your needs in mind.”
Visibility On and Off the Field For aspiring young athletes, seeing women in leadership roles – as coaches, officials, and captains – is crucial. As Loughborough Lightning shared:
“It’s incredibly important for young girls to see women in leadership roles within sport – whether that’s as coaches, officials, or in executive positions. It allows them to visualise their own potential and see that there’s a place for them not just on the pitch, but in shaping the future of the game. Representation matters – when the next generation sees people who look like them achieving success, it builds belief, ambition, and a sense of belonging.”
We’re proud to play a role in supporting that visibility, not just through sponsorship, but by collaborating with athletes to ensure their voices and experiences shape the future of sport.
Beyond the Pitch: Empowering the Next Generation Loughborough Lightning also highlighted the growing number of pathways for women in football and beyond:
“There are so many career pathways opening up for women in football and across sport – it’s not just about being on the pitch. From coaching, analysis and physiotherapy to media, marketing, and governance, there’s now a much more visible and supported ecosystem for women to thrive in. It’s encouraging to see organisations investing in these areas and recognising the value women bring at every level of the game. The support structures are improving too, making it more viable for women to pursue long-term careers in sport, whatever their role.”
Kukri Sports is committed to supporting women across the sporting landscape – through purposeful kit, meaningful partnerships, and a deep understanding of what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Together with trailblazing teams and institutions, we’re proud to help build a more equal, inclusive and high-performing future for women in sport.
Kukri Sports Partner Athletes Speak Out on Mental Health
World News
In honour of Mental Health Awareness Week, Kukri Sports is proud to share powerful reflections from its partner athletes on the importance of mental well-being in sport.
From Olympians to grassroots leaders, these athletes open up about recovery, resilience and the reality of life beyond the pitch.
Piper Logan – UBC Women’s Rugby captain (Vancouver, North America)
Paris Olympic silver medallist Piper Logan, captain of Canada’s Women’s 7s team, is currently navigating the challenges of a cruciate ligament injury sustained at the Vancouver 7s.
“I felt like I was constantly falling behind while others kept improving. But over time, I learned to celebrate the little wins and remind myself that growth isn’t always visible.
“I found comfort in focusing on the things I could control like nutrition, habits and reconnecting with the life outside of sport. That helped me feel like myself again.”
Cork Constitution RFC, Men’s First Team (Ireland)
One anonymous first-team player reflects on the often-overlooked mental health challenges that come with playing at a high level.
“Mental health and rugby go hand in hand. Playing helps my well-being through the physical benefits and the social aspect.
“I try to deal with stress by being organised during the week, accepting that not every match goes your way and always having time to relax with the lads.”
Somerset CCC – Jack Leach, Charlie Dean & Alfie Ogborne
Mental health is a growing focus in cricket, a sport known for its long seasons, psychological demands and intense competition.
England internationals Jack Leach and Charlie Dean, as well as Alfie Ogborne reflect on how mindset, team culture and togetherness plays crucial roles in performance and personal well-being.
Alfie said, “You will always see players who are less talented than others do better, and that’s because of their mental approach and preparation.”
Charlie said, “There is always going to be performance pressure, but these days it’s great to see that we are more open about it as that’s how it should be.”
Jack said, “As teammates, we’re always looking out for each other. We have to remember that people go through different things and be there to support them.”
British Rowing – Matt Aldridge & Josh O’Brien
Olympic bronze medallist Matt Aldridge and Paralympic champion Josh O’Brien open up about how team support have shaped their mental resilience.
“The attitude towards mental health has changed quite drastically over the past few years. People are starting to talk about it more openly now, which is really good”, Matt said.
“Any high-pressure environment like rowing, you’re going to have bad days, and if you can share that with different people to pick you up, then that is brilliant.”
Josh added, “Before the Paralympics in Paris, I had a bad back injury. I wouldn’t have gotten through it without my teammates and coaches supporting me through it.”
Sion Bennett – Valley RFC (Asia)
Former Wales U20 and Sevens player Sion Bennett now captains Valley RFC in Hong Kong and leads conversations around mental health.
“Having gone through struggles in sport and life, I’ve seen the impact of community, resilience and simply moving your body,” he says.
After relocating from Wales, Sion leaned on sport to navigate change:
“Being part of a club like Valley helped me build a new support network. Moving overseas taught me more about who I am and helped build self-belief.”
“I strongly believe in creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable to share. You can’t force people to talk about their feelings, but you can make effort with them to talk about their life, their work, have a joke, even if that is a simple hand shake before training, and so when the moment arises that they need someone to talk to they feel like they have built bonds and there’s an environment that they feel like they can share.
As a brand committed to supporting athletes at every level of the game, Kukri stands with these athletes in challenging the stigma and calling for environments where honesty is strength and well-being is a priority.
If you need mental health support, reach out to your primary healthcare provider for guidance. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 or click here to view the full list.
United Kingdom
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