Sporting Greatness

So with the Olympics creeping ever closer, there is no escaping the faces of our Great British Athletes in magazines, on TV, Billboard posters. It is something I see as a welcome change, as these are actually people who work hard and deserved to be celebrated (unlike your Kim Kardashian's and Jordan's). 

This is something Nike agrees with, and to celebrate athlete greatness, they have taken their iconic Nike M65 jacket and custom crafted a unique edition for eight British athletes it partners with. 

Each jacket is personalised to pay tribute to each athlete's unique journey. 

The Nike M65 jacket has become a symbol of inspiration. Printed in patriotic red on the inside, each mantra embodies the spirit of athletic commitment and success. In addition to the personal mantras, a bonded wove Union Jack is stitched on the left arm, with the athlete's name embroidered on a Velcro name plate.  

The eight athletes from a range of sports have been presented with their jacket by people who would have inspired them, for example Basketball legend Scottie Pippen surprised Luol Deng with his customised jacket at the Nike World Basketball Festival earlier this month in Brixton.

When Track and Field legend Carl Lewis presented Perri Shakes-Drayton with her bespoke M65, it was seen as a truly special moment for Perri to receive her jacket from an athlete who has achieved such greatness at a time when she is aspiring to reach new heights herself in this Summer's games. 

The photo's of athletes receiving their jackets really do make some beautiful inspiring imagery. 

Scottie Pippen and Luol Deng

Paula Radcliffe

Carl Lewis and Perri Shakes-Drayton.

Personal Mantra's 

Paula Radcliffe - 'Be the best you can be each day'

Dai Greene - '100% effort, 100% of the time'

Perri Shakes Drayton - 'Train hard. There are no shortcuts.'

Hannah England - ' Every rep. Every session. Every race'

Holly Bleasdale - 'Believe in yourself and magic will happen'

Mark Cavendish - 'Remain the fastest. Stay the greatest'

Mo Farah - 'Go hard or go home' 

Luol Deng - 'I'll return to deliver'

What's yours?