Nike brings brand power to Paris ahead of Olympics; Medalists Dawn Staley and Jordan Chiles meet

PARIS – THE Paris 2024 Olympic Games are always three month far, but Nike was early In THE departure blocks, socket on THE the city Palace Brongniart with A three days event And showcase.

Guests visit A similar to a museum Labyrinth of pieces dedicated has shoe And athletic gear along with poster highlighting It is research And development programs: All were In support of THE reveal of Nike new Air shoes.

THE imposing outside of THE building — Previously A action exchange — was dominated with 30 feet tall statues of a few of THE brands sign athletes: soccer stars Kylian Mbappé And Alexia Putellas, basketball stars Lebron James And Victor Wembanyama, sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, And fencer Beatrice Vio.

THE event revealed new Air shoes For soccer, basketball And running. Some products on display include THE Maxfly2 And Victory 2, which will be available has select retailers In Can, THE Pegasus 41 that will hit stores In June, And THE G.T. Hustle And THE Air Zoom Mercurial, which will be available In July.

Sha'Carri Richardson Dominic Master/WWD

Nike Also previewed It is new Pegasus Prime, together has beginning In 2025.

He all peaked In A evening event Or athletes Since myriad disciplines took has THE scene has model their kits And shoes, emerging Since behind A dazzling mesh-shaped digital screen And hammer he up For maximum applause.

THE only thing missing was THE public, as THE event was mounted For media And investors only.

THE three days event was Invoice as A "innovation summit." THE title seemed A sharp answer has equity analysts concerns that Nike has lost It is Before momentum In recent districts, A caution that was solidified by It is last round of financial results.

It is all supposed has showcase Nike new "innovation supercycle, » said president consumer, product And brand Heidi O'Neill, directly answer those reviews.

O'Neill take a step In THE role last August with THE express assignment has help Nike get It is groove return.

"This work that We knew necessary has get do, We knew We had A chance has heat things up Since A innovation And A product pipeline perspective. And We knew that THE most important place For he has to start was has THE Olympic Games For OUR athletes," She said WWD.

THE Olympic Games to have always has been A "high energy" indicate For Branding, O'Neill said, And This year Nike will to have THE opportunity has take A even more visible role.

THE Fr...