Nike had its origins in the northwest part of the United States, when sport and fitness destiny brought together some very dynamic personalities. These people were: Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman, mixed in with a little Steve Prefontaine and Jeff Johnson. Craftiness, commitment, guile and resourcefulness all played a role in how this fledgling idea grew to be the largest sports and fitness equipment company in the world.
Bill Bowerman was the track coach at the University of Oregon and became the architect of one of the USA's most revered college track programs. He has been credited with bringing jogging to America.
Phil Knight was a member of Bowerman's track team, and an unremarkable member at that. |