The shoes. The hair. The finish. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Shelly-Ann, a five-time world champion, ended her career her way.

Sofieke van Bilsen is a 29-year-old Dutch photographer with a passion for storytelling through imagery. She is the in-house photographer for the German women's national football team, and was team photographer for the German Olympic Team in Paris 2024. She works closely with Nike athletes such as Faith Kipyegon, Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan.In her photography, she aims to create compelling visual narratives, focusing on the deep connection between emotion and athleticism. She strives to capture the raw moments behind the scenes, the untold stories of the journey and everything in between, bringing the spirit of sport to life.Sofieke's personality creates instant connections with people, and she is loved by the athletes she works with. Her relaxed and enthusiastic personality complements an incredible skill level and the ability to work in high-pressure environments for athletes.

Sofieke van Bilsen

Photo essay

Icon Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce Ran Her Final 100 Metre On Her Terms

Over the course of his career, LeBron James has shared his passion for the game globally, partnering with Nike to travel throughout Greater China during his offseason, galvanizing a nation in its love for basketball and hoops culture.

Journey of an icon: 20 years of LeBron James in China

Powering up steep ascents. Navigating gnarly descents. Whipping mountain winds. Ultra trail running is a relentless sport. But the payoff is well worth the grind.

Ultra trail running can take everything you've got—and give you even more

Born of need and elevated by expertise and diligence, today the Department of Nike Archives (DNA) cares for hundreds of thousands of artefacts and a limitless vault of connected stories.&nbsp;The brand archive began organically in the 1970s and officially became DNA in 2006. The department's purpose is to both preserve and accelerate the ever-evolving and interconnected story of Nike. "Knowing who you are and the fights you've come through can do huge things for morale, inspiration and creativity. That's what DNA provides". - Phil Knight

Department of Nike Archives

Go behind the scenes of the famous business deal between Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman—co-founders of Nike.

History

The Handshake That Started It All

About Nike—stories from inside NIKE, Inc.

Amateur teams from China's Rise Academy and the LA-based Cal Stars and Veritas Academy went head to head during LeBron's China tour. There in attendance to cheer them on: the King himself.

Rising together

The drama, suspense, energy and passion—if you're not yet a fan of athletics, you're about to become one.

Incredible scenes from the 50th anniversary of the Pre Classic

Editor's Picks

Story Landing

How does Nike use athlete feedback? See and hear marathon GOAT Eliud Kipchoge's line-by-line and word-for-word notes on your next best training shoe.

Fan hub

Hear from our ultimate wear-tester on the new Zoom Fly 6

When a mysterious pain in the Italian fencer's arm was becoming unbearable, doctors told her she might need to stop competing altogether. That's when Nike stepped in to help.

Feature

Matching Bebe Vio to Her Ultimate Fencing Tool

Former professional Esports gamer and Nike athlete Uzi challenged himself to run his first 26.2—and changed his health and life in the process.

How a marathon can turn a life around

An upgrade to one key product could be the unlock for the legendary track and field athlete to achieve her highest potential.

Tatyana McFadden Is the Fastest Woman Alive — the Nike Sport Research Lab Wanted to Help Her Get Faster

The fastest woman in the world has always possessed steely resolve. Hear her describe it.

Nike exists to serve the complete athlete, and shares their winning mentality. As a champion for athletes and sport, Nike partners with athletes who share the belief that sport can break barriers, push limits, spark change and move the world forwards.

Brand of athletes

For the win

Born tenacious: how Tatyana McFadden became the champion she is today

The two talk about the importance of accountability, the beauty of setting random personal fitness goals and the magic of unexpected synergy.

Stronger together: Kaia Gerber and Kirsty Godso are twin flames

The duo talk championships, attitudes on the court and leaving their mark on the game.

A'ja Wilson and Dawn Staley on their coach-player bond

Sometimes the best strategy is no strategy.

How breaker Sunny Choi preps for a battle

We ask the athletics 400-metre hurdler how she closes the final stretch of the brutal event.

Anna Cockrell on clearing hurdles—physical and mental

Nike athletics coach Diljeet Taylor shares her secret to sprinting through the finishing line.

How pro runners prepare for a powerful kick

The champion shares how preserving her sense of realness comes from surrounding herself with the loved ones who'll tell it to her straight, how she views the role of honesty in sport and the thrill she takes in defying the haters.

Sha'Carri Richardson thrives off the doubters

The 20-year-old phenom speaks to transcending his own limits, banishing fear from his life, turning off his phone and more.