Nike’s Impact on my Love for Sports and Business

I would describe myself as a current undergraduate college student that’s passionate about sports– especially basketball. The global brand, Nike has a significant impact on my future aspirations. From its iconic swoosh logo symbolizing the Greek goddess of victory, it’s long list of sponsored world-class athletes, unique brand storytelling– going hand in hand with its innovations on athletic apparel certainly captured my interest.

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The Nike brand stands out in the world where athletics meets innovation. It was founded in 1964 by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman with a goal of changing the athletic footwear industry. Originally, the business venture was called Blue Ribbon Sports, which imported Japanese running shoes. It has evolved into the iconic brand we know today. The brand draws inspiration from Phil Knight’s passion for shoe design– as he then embarked a mission to create and distribute high-quality and affordable footwear to athletes everywhere.

Photo credit: Van Schneider

When I was growing up, I was captivated by the amazing performances of basketball stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant– who both wore Nike sneakers on the court. Their on-court abilities and off-the-court character not only elevated the game, it also inspired aspiring athletes around the world. I idolized these stars and they inspired me to hone my skills on the basketball court. Through the brand’s advertisements and content marketing, I was able to see the brand’s commitment towards pushing beyond the limit and striving for excellence in life.

Photo credit: Wieden+Kennedy

Nike’s expertise in storytelling and marketing has fueled my passion to work in the area where sports and business intersect. As a student aspiring to work in sports marketing/media, I am inspired by Nike’s ability to create compelling stories that resonate with athletes and sports fans. Through the brand’s viral campaigns or high-profile collaborations with sports athletes, celebrities, and cultural icons, Nike has demonstrated the power of storytelling and driving customer engagement.

With that, I am quite grateful for the impact that Nike has made towards my life, bolstering my passion for sports and business.

References: NIKE: The Story Behind the Iconic Brand and its Rise to Global Success | Brand the Change. (2023, March 30). Brand the Change. https://brandthechange.com/strategy/nike-the-story-behind-the-iconic-brand-and-its-rise-to-global-success/

‌ BRAND MINDS. (2021, January 9). NIKE: The story behind the brand - BRAND MINDS - Medium. Medium; Medium. https://brand-minds.medium.com/nike-the-story-behind-the-brand-f3d8e5d9d725 Meyer, J. (2019, August 15). History of Nike: Timeline and Facts. TheStreet; TheStreet. https://www.thestreet.com/lifestyle/history-of-nike-15057083

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