Real Salt Lake’s Post

Interesting development from Adidas. They aren’t the first company to do this. It’s not just about the feet though. When more shoe companies realise that a woman’s hip alignment is totally different from a man’s : this adversely affects & increases stress on the knees. With the increased stopping forces involved in several sports as athletes get bigger & stronger they just might be on to something. Tennis, squash, football, but particularly netball involve a huge incidence of ACL injuries. Way more than in the men’s version of the game. Sports shoes should be helping not creating a situation where athletes get injured. So the more we see of this the more we should see females producing even higher performances on the sports field with less injury. What sports companies should be all about.

I don’t usually post about sensitive topics. But as I worked for adidas close to the voice of the consumer team and social media analytics, I wonder if the team was prepared for the comments that the latest campaign brought. Did anyone in the brand team knew how this could go and chose to do it anyway? Or knowing what could happen, was the team properly prepared to answer? It doesn’t look like. Or did they actually wanted to show their position? I have so many questions for some of my former colleagues. Probably the Instagram post will dissappear soon, but if you find it, read the comments. https://lnkd.in/gGPv8sSc And if not, it’s all over in the news. I find this comment on point: “I’m sorry, WHAT???” commented one X user. “Did Adidas choose a Palestinian to model a shoe symbolizing the 1972 Munich Olympics, where 11 Israeli athletes were massacred by a Palestinian terrorist organization? It’s as if they sent their brand managers to a special course in insensitivity.” Source: https://lnkd.in/gY7WRtQE I’m not pro Israel nor pro Palestine. But I’m pro doing your job properly, and this doesn’t seem like that. #adidasoriginals #controversy #branddamage #voiceofconsumer #socialmedia #ignorance

Winning isn't for everyone.

Thanks Adam Pierno for making me think about this latest flash in the controversy pan. What do you think? My thoughts? Well… let’s see… can of worms. The England flag is already actually quite divisive in England as it has been frequently co-opted by the far right yet the middle have oft fought to reclaim it. So this waltzes into a story many (sorry to my adopted country but….) Americans won’t have a clue about. Then there is the fact many (also Americans) think that the Union Jack 🇬🇧 is the English 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 flag. Call that a brand recognition problem. Not helped by the English use of three lions (in sports) in addition to the flag which could confuse some even further (confusing? Well we did invent the English language too). Then there’s the hiSTORY which both goes back a long way (identity) and is suffering from a shrunken empire (pride). It’s like a Hulu ad for Hims that my kids find so hilarous. Which goes beyond mere pride and cuts to the core of what it means to be both English and the core of the British Empire (identity). In summary: storm will likely blow over soon as the latest attention grabbing scandals rocks the world. I’d be more worried about what AI will be doing under the guise of an apparently real flag.

And now for some good news today!

In the age of information, it's crucial for global brands to get their facts right, especially when it comes to recognising achievements in sports. Nike made an oversight in a social media post, stating that the SpringBoks were the first Rugby team to win 4 World Cup Championships. While the SpringBoks have had their share of glory (and we congratulate them on their win yesterday), it's essential to note that the New Zealand Women's Blackferns have clinched 6 World Championships, a monumental achievement that deserves acknowledgment. Several individuals have taken to social media to correct this oversight, only to be met with responses urging them "to give it a rest." It's worth pondering - would the reactions have been the same if the error was made the other way around? It's not about nitpicking but about ensuring that women in sports receive the recognition they rightfully deserve. Correcting inaccuracies is not just about setting the record straight; it's about advocating for equality and ensuring that women's achievements in sports are celebrated and acknowledged on the same platform as men's. Rebecca Sowden Award-Winning campaign, "Correct the Internet," serves as a timely reminder of the importance of accuracy in the digital age. It's not just about correcting mistakes but about ensuring that the narrative around women in sports is accurate, positive, and empowering. Let's remember that calling out inaccuracies, especially from influential brands like Nike, is not about pointing fingers but about ensuring that the stories we tell are true, fair, and inclusive. Women in Sport Aotearoa stands by the Black Ferns and every woman athlete who strives for excellence, and we believe their achievements should be celebrated correctly. Susan Sawbridge Sarah Leberman MNZM Erin Roxburgh Nicky van den Bos Mere Rangihuna Mary Gardiner Pauline Harrison Merran Brockie-David Tim Corbett Caroline Wethey #WomenInSport #BlackFerns #CorrectTheInternet #EqualityInSports

I followed the England football team for a good few years, travelling to both home and away games. And, through my work, I also got to know a few people in the marketing team at the FA. What I saw whilst following the national men’s team, which was backed up by contacts at the FA, was a huge problem around inclusion (both within the organisation, and more visibly—and audibly—amongst supporters). I think a lot of work has been done to try and address these issues over the last 20 years, but—despite the majority of fans being decent people—the national *men’s team is still a magnet for racism, sexism, homophobia, and other prejudices. (*Edited.) A YouGov survey found that 60% of people said racism is still a problem in English football, with 52% saying homophobia was a serious issue. And this puts a *lot* of people off supporting the national team. Which brings us on to Nike’s recent change in the national kit. It’s been called a “playful update” by Nike, but it’s clearly more than that. I think both the FA and Nike knew what might happen when they made the decision to change the colours of the St George’s cross (even if it’s only on the collar). Personally, I think it was a brilliant move—as I tend to enjoy things upsetting the apple cart—although I know others (most!) will disagree. What’s equally interesting is what comes next. There are calls for the colours to be changed back, and even Keir Starmer has weighed in (unsurprisingly taking the side of those “defending the flag”, and claiming this is “woke”, whatever that means today). But I’m fascinated to hear what others think, especially in the world of branding.

Ahead of the Olympics, Will Nike's New Ad Help It Win With Customers? The sportswear brand has seen sales decline, but is investing more in marketing ahead of the summer games. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dXy6_rVm . . Like 💝 Comment below ⏬ Share ✅ For More Such Updates Follow Us @qnewshub @qnewscrunch . . #qnewshub #qnewscrunch #StartupFunding

🏀 In today's dynamic world, athletes are redefining the boundaries of their influence beyond the playing field. 👟Gone are the days when athletes only dominated the #sports arena. #Brands now recognize the unique appeal of partnering with athletes from niche sports, seeking authenticity and untapped potential. 🚀 At the intersection of #sports and style, #brands find new avenues for creative expression. It's not just about endorsing a product; it's about telling a compelling #story that transcends the boundaries of sport and resonates with diverse audiences. #AthletesInStyle #GameChangers #SportsMeetsFashion #SportsAndStyle #AthletePartnerships #FashionMeetsSports #BrandCollaborations #KornitMakeBetter #innovation Steffen Meiler Samuel Malessa Scott Walton Anna Holmes Don Whaley Ingrid Van Loocke tabea van lier Tim Webster Marco Bonanno Ian Bell Brendan M. Kathrin Buhl Sharon Donovich Merav Zimerman Noga Kaizermen Chen Phil O. Maximiliane Jona Teresa Prings Nathalie Hizveren Jeremy LEVY Itamar Bartana

Greatness is in everyone! In 2012, Addidas won the exclusivity rights to use elite athletes in the London Olympics while Nike lost out. To counter this and make impact despite its loss, Nike came up with an ad that reasonated with people’s challenges, it was relatable to everyday struggle of many individuals on their personal quest to conquer their fears and issues. They used the story of a 12 year old boy, Nathan Sorrel who was facing personal struggles to showcase that surpassing one’s own limit rather than just athletics ability is Greatness. 📌When we overcome our challenges, we should celebrate our wins! 📌When we achieve our goals, no matter how small or mundane, it should be celebrated! 📌Our uniqueness shows that we can all be Great depending on your situations and personal or professional struggles. 📌Don’t allow other people’s big win to drown your Greatness! 📌It's crucial not to let others' achievements overshadow your own potential for Greatness. 📌Let's embrace and celebrate the distinctive aspects of our growth process. Video credit (The archbishop of banterbury.