History
Nike’s roots trace back to 1959 at the University of Oregon where Phil Knight ran track for Coach Bill Bowerman. Bowerman was always on a quest for a lighter, more durable, running shoe for his athletes. While on vacation to Japan, Knight decided to meet with a Japanese shoe manufacture name Onitsuka Tiger. Knight claimed he was with Blue Ribbon Sports, a made up company, and wanted to sell Onitsuka Tiger shoes in the United States. Knight and Bowerman then created Blue Ribbon Sports and began selling Onitsuka Tiger shoes in the U.S. with great success.
It wasn’t until 1971 that Blue Ribbon Sports changed their name to Nike, and created the iconic swoosh logo. Nike, in Greek Mythology, is the winged goddess who sat besides Zeus in Olympus. The swoosh logo proved to be genius marketing by Nike. The swoosh symbol has been one of the world’s most recognizable symbols for decades.
In the 1980’s Nike basically started a fitness revolution. Nike introduced the “Nike-Air” line, and began endorsing athletes like John McEnroe. In 1989, Nike continued fueling the fitness revolution by introducing its new slogan, “Just Do It”. In 1992, Nike proved its dominance by making a deal with the Athletics Congress that put the U.S. Olympic Track and Field team in Nike gear for the rest of the century. In 1996, Nike breaks into the golf world by endorsing an up and coming Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods was new to the game, but would become one of the best golfers of all times.
Today, Nike is still the most dominate sports apparel company in the world. In 2004, Knight finally stepped down as CEO and President, but remains the Chairman of the board. Nike owes its success to bowermans quest for a better running shoe, Knights ambition, and most of all the companies genius advertising team.
It wasn’t until 1971 that Blue Ribbon Sports changed their name to Nike, and created the iconic swoosh logo. Nike, in Greek Mythology, is the winged goddess who sat besides Zeus in Olympus. The swoosh logo proved to be genius marketing by Nike. The swoosh symbol has been one of the world’s most recognizable symbols for decades.
In the 1980’s Nike basically started a fitness revolution. Nike introduced the “Nike-Air” line, and began endorsing athletes like John McEnroe. In 1989, Nike continued fueling the fitness revolution by introducing its new slogan, “Just Do It”. In 1992, Nike proved its dominance by making a deal with the Athletics Congress that put the U.S. Olympic Track and Field team in Nike gear for the rest of the century. In 1996, Nike breaks into the golf world by endorsing an up and coming Tiger Woods. Tiger Woods was new to the game, but would become one of the best golfers of all times.
Today, Nike is still the most dominate sports apparel company in the world. In 2004, Knight finally stepped down as CEO and President, but remains the Chairman of the board. Nike owes its success to bowermans quest for a better running shoe, Knights ambition, and most of all the companies genius advertising team.