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How Betrayal Created Nike
How The Treachery Of A Japanese Shoe Manufacturer Propelled Phil Knight On The Fateful Path To Create Nike
By the early 1970’s Phil Knight was on top of the world. Blue Ribbon Sports, a company he had created in 1964 to distribute Japanese sports shoes had become a massive success. Then in 1971, he discovered a shocking betrayal that turned his world upside down.
Blue Ribbon Sports
Phil Knight, a former college athlete had discovered the Onitsuka Tiger brand on a trip to Japan. This brand is now better known by its modern name “Asics”.
Impressed by the quality of the shoes he convinced his college coach, the legendary Bill Bowerman to join him to create Blue Ribbon Sports to distribute Onitsuka Tiger shoes.
Until this time, sports shoes had been relatively primitive. Knight accurately foresaw that the introduction of high quality athlete friendly shoes would become popular. Together with Bowerman, Knight actively visited athletic meets and showcased Onitsuka Tiger shoes to athletes. Their efforts helped them carve out a new market amongst college…
