This compelling book provides a comprehensive examination of Nike, utilizing never-before-heard interviews with top sports celebrities and the informed perspectives of marketing gurus to explain why Nike has ruled the sports world for more than four decades. Nike's immortal "Just Do It" slogan is displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. The company's pioneering use of athlete endorsements as the foundation of its marketing and its dedication to incorporating advanced technology and materials in its products has forever changed the world of sports. Amazingly, what is now Nike sprang from the humblest beginnings--two runners with a passion for improving the sport willing to sell shoes out of their cars at track meets. This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the company, giving readers a full appreciation of its fascinating history and the attributes and strategies that have helped Nike outlast its competitors. Material derived from interviews with star athletes and marketing experts lend additional insight into the Nike phenomenon. * Contains one-on-one interviews with star athletes, coaches, marketing experts, and business executives that showcase the power and influence of Nike * Provides a vivid chronology depicting the company's modest beginnings, the creation of its early technology, the birth of memorable advertising campaigns, endorsement deals with sports celebrities, controversy about child labor allegations, noteworthy recognition for supporting social and environmental causes, and Nike's future * Includes photographs of Nike co-founders Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, as well as Nike-sponsored athletes such as Deion Sanders, Bo Jackson, Michael Jordan, John McEnroe, Serena Williams, Didier Drogba, Lance Armstrong, and Tiger Woods * A helpful index makes it easy to locate celebrities' comments within the text and to track the many Nike technologies used since the company's inception