When the most decorated 100-metre sprinter ever stepped to the line for a final time, she told herself what she knew: that she was prepared, powerful and this race was hers—for her. The next handful of seconds were to honour everything that had brought her to this moment.Green, yellow and black hair whipping behind her—a self-proclaimed "daughter of the soil", who chose to wear the colours of her nation's flag for her final finish—gold-hued&nbsp;nails splayed in front of her, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-celebrates-shelly-ann-fraser-pryce" target="_blank">Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce</a> exploded off the blocks in the World Athletics Championship final in a capacity-filled Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. She ended her 100-metre career in the same way she began racing 18 years ago in Japan—with fierce speed, strength and composure. It was a bold tribute to Jamaica, the nation whose unyielding support has carried her through two decades at the top of the sport.In her decades of dominance—from becoming the first Caribbean woman to win Olympic gold in the 100 metres in 2008, to returning as World Champion in 2019 after giving birth to her son, Zyon—Shelly-Ann has embodied the power of duality.&nbsp;The ability to have longevity in athletics's shortest, most intense discipline; exuding femininity and self-expression in a physically demanding sport; proving motherhood and greatness can coexist.What athletes everywhere, and especially young girls, can take from Shelly-Ann's lead: the courage to run your own race, on your terms. To trust that setbacks don't define you, only your response to them. And the assurance that, if you believe in yourself and work with discipline, harmony is possible. Dreams and family, career and legacy.For that and for the now 276 incredible races and finishing line moments, thank you, Shelly-Ann.Below, go behind the scenes of the GOAT's final meet days in Tokyo.

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. Just as LeBron's career has evolved through different eras, his tours have represented different values over the many times he's visited since 2005. Below are some of his most memorable moments in the country.

2005–2009

LeBron began his debut tour in Beijing in August of 2005. He was invited to watch the awards ceremony of the Nike Battlegrounds tournament, but he'd depart as more than just a spectator. From the moment he stepped down in China, he believed his tour could become a cross-cultural exchange rooted in a shared love of hoops and a mission to inspire the next generation of young players in China. "Basketball is not only a sport, it's also a bridge that connects people", he said.&nbsp;"This is a great learning experience for everyone. I hope I can continue to help grow the game globally and inspire the youth in China to reach their dreams".

LeBron's legacy in China is woven into special China-specific iterations of his signature footwear. In 2007, LeBron James appeared alongside NIKE, Inc.'s then-President & CEO Mark Parker to debut his Nike Zoom LeBron V "China" colourway.

LeBron returned to Beijing in 2009 after his MVP season, where he enjoyed a hero's welcome. As part of his trip, he donated equipment and provided scholarships for the Zhenhua School, a school for the children of migrant workers in suburban Beijing.

To celebrate his season, LeBron was presented with an exclusive pair of the Nike Air Max LeBron VII, featuring a Shenyang-inspired design dubbed "Loyalty" created by the local artist Ray Lei, and a Shanghai-inspired design dubbed "Family", created by the local artist Sic.

2011–2015

LeBron embraced his role as a global ambassador for the game, focusing on the opportunity to inspire China's young players. In 2011, his tour expanded to eight days over four cities, promoting grassroots basketball through a series of skill clinics and tournaments.

In 2012, with a fresh gold medal to pair with his championship ring, LeBron James made a triumphant arrival in Beijing to kick off a four-day tour as part of the&nbsp;Find Your Greatness campaign. "Greatness is defined by how much you want to put into what you do", said LeBron. "Greatness comes with victory. It also comes with being able to come back from adversity".

In 2013, LeBron returned to China with plenty to celebrate: his second straight NBA championship and MVP awards for both the regular season and the Finals.

In 2014, LeBron James was the first mentor to announce the roster for the Nike RISE, designed to help players raise their competitive game and improve their skill.

In 2015, Nike RISE 2015 evolved with LED Courts and motion-tracking drills to create a pinnacle training experience, teach the fundamentals of basketball and push the boundaries of sports training.

An emotional finale saw four players chosen to represent China at the World Streetball Championships.

2016–2019

After winning another NBA title in 2016, LeBron entered Guangzhou to a massive championship parade, the streets flanked by tens of thousands of fans, many of them in Cavs #23 jerseys. It was a signal for just how widely James's legacy had expanded throughout Asia.&nbsp;His More Than an Athlete campaign inspired young players to see basketball as one of many tools for affecting social change.

After a warm welcome from thousands of fans, he spent most of his time in Beijing working out with and coaching members of the Chinese Junior National basketball team.

Visiting primary schools throughout Beijing, LeBron shared his personal basketball experiences with young athletes, emphasising the role that hard work, dedication and self-belief played in his path to success.

In 2018, the first day of his "More Than an Athlete" tour in Shanghai began with a panel discussion with students at the Shanghai Theatre&nbsp;Academy, and ended with a park shootaround. Hundreds of fans gathered outside the court to watch him play, hoping to catch a glimpse of the icon.

This month, LeBron flew to China for his "Forever King Tour", his 15th in the country and marking the 20th anniversary of tours in Asia. There, he joined some of the world's most passionate hoopers and basketball fans, reiterating his commitment to giving back to the game across the world.

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

Hours of powering up steep ascents and navigating gnarly descents. Whipping mountain winds, glaring direct sun and biting evening temps. Getting mentally right with the fact that the next aid station is far, far away. Ultra trail running can sound like a gruelling, relentless sport reserved for the wildest, most hardcore athletes among us.According to our <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-acg-all-conditions-racing-department" target="_blank">All Conditions Racing Department</a> runners—six of whom just conquered pinnacle UTMB races across the French, Italian and Swiss Alps, on trails spanning 15 to 174 kilometres, with elevation gains of 1,200 to nearly 10,000 metres—the grit, determination, joy and freedom trail running gives you are worth every ounce of work. See for yourself.

<h3>ROSS GOLLAN</h3>Race: Experience Trail Courmayeur (ETC); 15K with 1,200m elevation gain Global finish rank: 29th

<h3>MARIE NIVET</h3>Race: ETC; 15K with 1,200m elevation gain Global women's finish rank: 7th

CESARE MAESTRIRace: ETC; 15K with 1,200m elevation gain Global finish rank: 2nd

<h3>BAPTISTE COATANTIEC</h3>Race: Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB); 174K with nearly 10,000m elevation gain Global finish rank: 11th

<h3>ANTHONY COSTALES</h3>Race: Courmayeur—Champex—Chamonix (CCC); 101K with more than 6,050m elevation gain Global finish rank: 15th

<h3>DREW HOLMEN</h3>Race: CCC; 101K with more than 6,050m elevation gain Global finish rank: 3rd

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

Rachel Cavanaugh is a Portland-based freelance writer who covers food, lifestyle, travel, fitness, adventure and the outdoors. Her work has appeared in Men's Journal, Outdoor Life, GearJunkie, MSN, Yahoo, The Independent, The Hollywood Reporter, Digital Trends, Bustle, Elite Daily, Mic, Travel Oregon, Matador Network and others. She has a background in digital production and brand storytelling and holds a journalism degree from the University of Montana.

Rachel Cavanaugh

Bea De Giacomo lives and works in Milan. Her work focuses on people and stories, always told in a delicate and natural way. She always looks for authenticity. Over recent years, she has focused on portraiture, travel and publishing projects.Her work is known internationally and her collaborations include prestigious magazines and brands such as The New York Times, M le Monde, Chanel, Hermes.

Bea De Giacomo

Jannik Sinner wasn't supposed to be in Milan this week.&nbsp; Fresh off the Australian Open, the Italian tennis champion had planned to head back to his hometown of Sexten, Italy, nestled in the Dolomite mountains. But when Nike offered him the opportunity to partner on a one-of-one, design-focused performance look that would help kick off the brand's presence during the world's biggest winter sports event,&nbsp;Sinner rerouted to the fashion capital.Collaborating on the head-to-toe ensemble—a bespoke jacket, insulated A.I.R. gilet, tailored trousers and footwear—meant pairing one of the world's best players with Nike's top designers to create a look rooted in who Sinner is beyond the court.In his home country and with the world watching, the Nike athlete donned the customised look—sculptural&nbsp;and winter-ready with deep pleats and a boxy cocoon shape—for&nbsp;one-on-one interviews with global fashion media alongside Nike's Chief Design Officer Martin Lotti and for a special event celebrating the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-reintroduces-acg-all-conditions-gear" target="_blank">relaunch of All Conditions Gear (ACG)</a>.

On Nike's part, the crafted ensemble is a statement on the athlete-brand partnership, a glimpse into how Nike approaches serving athletes with performance and expression on the world stage. The layered system for Sinner moves beyond simply a competition kit and reflects his Alpine roots and the life he leads when he's not competing."For me, it's very important to always have a small sign of where I'm from. Take the carabiner, with the mountain detail—the small details always make a very big difference", he says. The reference is to a pure silver keychain carabiner hanging from a chain on the customised trousers; the carabiner was created in a shape inspired by an elevation map of the Alps, where Sinner spent years skiing growing up.

Made to Sinner's exact specifications, the one-of-one look was created by Nike Senior Design Director Raffaella Barbey, working alongside Lotti, and a multidisciplinary design team. Barbey oversaw fittings with Sinner in Melbourne during the Australian Open, taking his input directly into production and refining the details through multiple rounds of iteration.Early versions of the jacket featured orange piping, which designers ultimately softened after hearing his input, opting for a more muted palette aligned with his personal style. Together, the team focused on balancing Nike-only performance innovation with premium craftsmanship and elevated design.The resulting layered system centres on a customised ACG gilet featuring adaptive A.I.R. technology—the same innovation used in the <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/acg-team-usa-collection-official-images" target="_blank">Therma-FIT Air Milano medal-stand jackets worn by Team USA</a>—paired with tailored outerwear and footwear built to perform in winter conditions without sacrificing style."This experience felt very different from work I've done with other brands", Sinner says. "I was more involved in the process. There were a lot of conversations about what could be better, what wasn't right, what worked well. In the end, we came out with an incredible result". For Lotti, projects like this reflect a broader approach to design, one shaped by decades of athlete partnerships, iconic products and culture-defining moments. "When you're designing something one-of-one like this, the process begins the same as it does when we're creating for competition: by listening to the voice of the athlete. What their preferences are and what their needs are, both from a performance point of view and from a visual perspective", Lotti says.&nbsp; "What's different is that we can push the limits more—on&nbsp;innovation, on methods of make and on material choices. From a design point of view, we can also include bespoke and personal design details. And we can act much faster, working on a much shorter timeline because we're only building one versus 500 or 10,000".

In Sinner's case, that meant creating something that reflects the person behind the ranking—an Italian athlete shaped by the mountains, with a clear point of view on style and a life beyond the court that has always informed how he moves through the world.

At Nike, projects like this aren't treated as one-and-done statements. They're part of a broader commitment to <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/magazine/maria-sharapova-little-black-tennis-dress-hall-of-fame" target="_blank">designing with athletes at defining points in their journey</a>, built on long-term relationships, close collaboration and a shared investment in getting it right.Lotti has a name for that approach: Nike Atelier.A platform for creating customised designs for select signature athletes at key off-field moments, Atelier applies the same athlete-driven mindset and attention to craft that define Nike innovation, extending it into moments where identity, environment and culture play an equally important role."Sinner is one of the best tennis players in the world but what many people don't know is that he was a championship skier growing up", Lotti explains. "He was one of the top ski racers in Italy and a national champion in giant slalom. He also grew up not far from here in the Dolomites".That gave Lotti and team the perfect ingredients for a Nike Atelier project: Sinner the skier, the Games in his home country, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/magazine/the-birth-of-acg-the-summit-that-launched-a-legacy" target="_blank">the relaunch of ACG</a> in Milan and Nike introducing A.I.R. apparel innovation with the Air Milano jacket. "The result is something unexpected yet completely authentic to both Sinner and Nike", says Lotti. "Bespoke, ACG-inspired, one-of-one expression that sits at the intersection of sport and culture".

Seen on Jannik in Milan last week, the element-proof, head-turning fit shows everything about that intent. A reminder that sometimes the most compelling design stories begin by paying attention—to the athlete and everything that exists beyond the scoreboard."When a brand invests this much thought and energy into a single moment, it shows they really care about making the athlete feel special. That's one of the biggest reasons why I love being with Nike—they make you feel important", says Sinner. "You try to give positive feedback and grow together in the right direction. We've worked together for years now and feel close, like a family. That's what matters to me".

Collaborating on the head-to-toe ensemble—a bespoke jacket, insulated A.I.R. gilet, tailored trousers and footwear—meant pairing one of the world's best players with Nike's top designers.

Making it

Style Crafted to Brave the Elements: All the Details on Jannik Sinner's Customised Nike Look

About Nike—stories from inside NIKE, Inc.

When South Korean short-track speed skater Minjeong Choi was 6 years old, her family used to receive a Seoul daily newspaper every morning. One day, almost by accident, she saw a flyer in the newspaper's insert, which advertised a winter-break skating programme at the Korea University ice rink near her home. She progressed from the basics of skating to the discipline of short-track speed skating. The distances are comparable to those in athletics, all the way up to 1,500 metres. But the races are lightning-fast, and in the tight, oval confines of the rink, sound technique can mean the difference between first place and last place. (Her memorable anchor leg in the 3,000-metre relay for the 2022 World Championships saw her jump from third place to first on the final curve, winning by just 0.034 seconds ahead of Canada.) Now 27 years old, Minjeong has gone from trying out skating on a whim during her winter break to becoming a three-time Olympic champion, a four-time World Champion and the world record holder in the 1,500 metres, a record she'll defend in Milan. Below, Minjeong shares more about the unique physical challenges of short-track speed skating, the key to staying calm under pressure and why luck and resilience exist on the same continuum.&nbsp; Moving forward again and again is what truly matters in this sport. Short-track speed skating is incredibly demanding. The athletes compete in a variety of distances, both individually and in relays. The races are so dynamic that you need to be able to recover quickly to prepare yourself for the next round or race. Mental resilience is crucial. Things unfold quickly in short track, so you can't afford to dwell on a single mistake or failure.&nbsp;In winter sports, you can't overstate how important it is to be able to access the right environment. My hometown is Seoul, the capital of South Korea. I was born in the very centre of the city. Growing up near such well-established skating facilities made it natural for me to start short-track speed skating and eventually pursue it as a professional career.&nbsp;

I've fallen in love with skating over and over again in my life. I've been skating for over 20 years, and what's guided me to this day is that moment when I first stepped onto the ice at 6 years old. I still vividly remember balancing on the unstable blades, carefully moving my feet while I felt the cold wind rush past me.The pressure of an event like the Olympics reveals the mentors who mean the most to you. I was deeply influenced by our national team head coach during the 2018 season. At age 20, I was competing in my first Olympic games in my home country. I was under immense media pressure and expectation from the public. Everyone around me kept saying I had to prove myself—except my coach. He told me to simply enjoy the moment. Even if I failed, I had my whole career ahead of me. Letting go of the pressure to "succeed" in those rigid terms put me at ease and helped me to compete with a calm mindset.&nbsp;Your defining moments summon a strength you never knew you had. During that relay at the 2022 World Championships, our team was so far behind Canada and the Netherlands, we were barely shown on the screen. When it was my leg to race,&nbsp;something came over me that I couldn't explain. I closed the gap hard. As I came out of the final corner, I crossed the finishing line first. There's an image I've seen on the replay where the Canadian and Dutch skaters put their hands over their faces in disbelief. They never expected the comeback. The impossible became possible.&nbsp;

One way aging as an athlete humbles you is that it forces you to set new goals. It was in the 2024 World Tour season. Many of my European and North American competitors had significantly improved from the time I began my career and they knew my racing tendencies. I was no longer one of the youngest athletes on the tour, but I worked hard to stay competitive physically and mentally, experimenting with different race tactics to develop a style that was truly my own. I finished fourth in the world rankings that year, but I still felt like I achieved a kind of victory.Part of the emotional power of sport comes from knowing the impact we have on our communities. I had won gold in Beijing in 2022. I donated some of my winnings from that season to a relief fund that helped victims affected by the Uljin forest fire. I wanted to give back, even in a small way, to people who were going through very difficult times. I take great pride in representing South Korea. During national moments, I feel a strong responsibility to deliver great performances as an athlete in all different forms.&nbsp;Chance and luck are important, but they are just the starting point. As I started winning when I was a young athlete, I thought it was luck. Soon, competitors started treating me seriously and that pressure made me stronger, helping instill in me a belief in my own ability and preparation. Before every race, I always ask myself, "Have I prepared more than anyone else here? If so, then all I need to do is skate".

Two decades ago, the generational talent was a young girl who saw a fortuitous window to pursue the sport. She's never looked back.

For the win

Minjeong Choi Took a Chance on Short-Track Speed Skating. In Milan, She'll Go for History

If golfer Tony Finau had to name his Flu Game moment, it was during the 2018 Masters. He had just sunk a hole-in-one on the par-3 course at Augusta National. He celebrated by taking off sprinting towards the hole when, improbably, he took an awkward step and dislocated his left ankle (fair warning for anyone who wants to look up the video: it is gnarly). In grimacing pain but undeterred, he popped his ankle back into place himself and resumed play, where he'd complete the week with a top-10 finish. Oh, and two months later, he would make the final group at the US Open. And he'd qualify for his first Ryder Cup. All in a year when he could barely put any pressure on his left foot.Digging deep to test his physical limits is a signature quality of Finau, who joins Jordan Brand this month as the newest member of its golf roster. You wouldn't know any such challenge existed just by looking at him. The lithe 6'4" athlete has one of the most powerful drives on the pro tour, able to crush the ball at over 200mph since he was 17 years old. He was recruited for hoops out of secondary school, and he descends from a proud lineage of skilled Tongan and Samoan athletes, particularly in American football. When his personal calling to golf was too great to ignore, he worked as hard as possible to reach the sport's top level, rolling the dice by auditioning for a reality TV golf show and then undergoing a brutal mini-tour schedule for years that forced him to travel at a ruthless pace across the country. Was it worth it? No question. Below, Finau talks about the twists his career has taken, his moments of greatest perseverance and all things drive.&nbsp; Certain career moments cause you to flip your definition of what winning means. Take that Masters in 2018. It was an incredible moment, that hole-in-one, followed by the most embarrassing moment of my life on national TV. Fast forward to the end of the tournament. I birdied six out of my last seven holes. I shot 66 that Sunday. Walking off the 72nd hole, I truly felt like I won. I felt like somebody should've given me the Green Jacket. In life, we're going to fall down a lot more times than we're going to win. But does that actually mean that we lost? I don't look at it that way.

There'll be windows of your life where you need to gut it out just to see what you're really made of. I turned pro in 2007, but I didn't get onto the PGA Tour until 2013, so there was a six-year period where I had to tough it out on the Mini-Tour life and learn how to play the game, travel and take the small wins where I could. On the Mini-Tour, you're fighting for every dollar, your literal livelihood. There were plenty of nights I slept in my car and I went without eating just so I could scrape by. Those were some of the hardest years of my life, but also some of the greatest, because I learned what I can become with a little bit of sacrifice.&nbsp;Individual sports demand a certain kind of passion. In a sport like golf, you don't have any teammates to lean on. It's just you out there. Some people have a hard time without that team component, but when I started golfing at a young age, I found I really enjoyed the game's individual aspects. It was on me to figure it out, to piece together the ways I could improve. When I got on the golf course, it was a matter of locking in and learning how to focus.Composure has nothing to do with your athletic skill but has everything to do with the life of an athlete. My brother and I went on The Big Break, a reality TV competition on the Golf Channel, in 2009. I was 20 years old at the time. We were around the camera 24/7. Everywhere we went, they were recording us. It was crazy, and it took some getting used to, but I remember leaving that experience and telling myself, "You're going to be a great golfer. This media exposure is how it's going to be if you turn pro". Being on the show got me to the point where it didn't really matter who was watching me. I just needed to stay focused and play my game.&nbsp;Sport was only part of my family's background. Being Polynesian, my mum had a luau show as I was growing up, so I learned how to play a lot of different instruments as a performer in her show. One of the first instruments I learned was the to'ere, which is like a Tahitian drum. I also did traditional Polynesian fire dancing as a kid. Music and dancing were as core to my identity as sport was.&nbsp;It's easy to be an on- and off-switch person. But greatness means being your best at all times of the day, not just when it's convenient. My mum used to tell me, "The way you do one thing is the way you do all things". Golf is just one example. Trying to be great at a game that's impossibly hard, a game you can't perfect, doesn't mean that you stop trying. You keep trying to reach for more out of yourself. I'm trying to be great in all aspects of my life, whether that's on the course, in the gym, being a husband, being a father. I'm trying to push past my own limits in all aspects of my life.&nbsp;

Golfers tend to be pretty superstitious people. One of my rituals is that I wear green every Sunday. My mum, she passed away in 2011—her favourite colour was green. Wearing green is a way I like to honour her, a way to remember she's with me all the time on the course.&nbsp;Joining the Jordan Brand marks a new chapter in my career. Obviously Michael represents excellence at the highest level. Jordan Brand is incredible to be a part of and Michael is an incredible individual to represent. I met him for the first time when I was 17, and during the times I've played at his private course in Florida, The Grove, he's always told me, "Anytime you're in this area, you're welcome here". So in 2024, I'm playing a playoff event. I know I'm going to be in West Palm after the playoffs for a shoot I'm doing with one of my sponsors. My son was with me on the trip, and the thought crossed my mind, "It would be the coolest thing on Earth if I could bring my son to play The Grove". I texted Michael on a whim and asked him. He got back to me 30 seconds later: "We're actually closed for the weekend, but I'll open the course just for you and your son. Please bring him and we'll make it happen". We played 18 holes that day and had the entire course to ourselves, just me and my son. That single experience is something I'll never forget. That's the effect Michael has on people. You can download more images, as well as an accompanying film welcoming Finau to the Jordan Brand family, by clicking <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://media-assets.nike.com/en/pitches/jordan-brand-welcomes-tony-finau-to-its-golf-roster?secret=29e440c91211da0d9af84d3e374afd15" target="_blank">here</a>.

The pro golfer and newest member of the Jordan Brand Golf roster has never backed down from a challenge.

For Tony Finau, Going the Distance is a Mindset

While most of us got through our early years in secondary school trying to blend in, Jane Hedengren remembers wanting to leave her mark: breaking her school's record in the mile. She was 12 years old, new to organised track and intent on sealing the record by the end of the school year. Her father, John, took her to a university track on a cold autumn afternoon for 400-metre repeats to test her capacity. She was trying and failing to hit her splits. That's when John, a former runner at Brigham Young University (BYU), joined her for the workout, cutting through the chilly, high desert air, pulling up the pace but staying near enough to encourage Jane as she willed herself forward. She'd eventually hit those splits, and she'd later break her school's record that spring.&nbsp;Now out of secondary school, Jane Hedengren has established herself as one of the most accomplished amateur distance runners in American history. She arguably had the most dominant secondary school season ever in 2024, male or female, breaking nine secondary school records spanning the mile to the 5K. She'd be the first to say that she hasn't accomplished these feats alone.&nbsp;Along with her family's support, Jane's teammates include those coaches and runners from the Nike Elite Programme, which invites 40 of the nation's top runners to experience the comprehensive training tools provided by Nike coaches all year long, culminating in some of the nation's preeminent meets during the cross-country, indoor and outdoor seasons. All seasons in which Jane dominated.Here, in her own words, she speaks to how that support has set her up for a professional running future and for starting her own university running career at BYU in the autumn.

The indoor and outdoor seasons give you many opportunities to prove yourself. Nike Indoor Nationals this year was special, because I was able to run the 5K for the first time on the track. I had to put myself out there.Good coaches can turn a phrase and get you motivated. During that Nike Indoor Nationals meet, one of my coaches from the Nike Elite Programme, Juli Benson, told me, "I know you're in a good spot. Let's see if you're in a great spot". Then it was like the lesson my dad taught me: you'll see once you're in that last 2K of the race. I was able to close out hard. A lot of good stuff can come from having an open mind and getting the most out of yourself.&nbsp;This year was a season of firsts. Last autumn was my first time at <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/stories/nike-cross-nationals-2024-official-images" target="null">Nike Cross Nationals</a>. It was really exciting to feel as fresh as I did on race day. The field was strong, so I wanted to stay patient, because the course with the weather conditions can be unforgiving. I kept steady early on and maintained my pace. It's special to finish a race and not expect that level of performance out of yourself.

I love how running has different disciplines within it. Cross-country and track are special in their own right, and they're so different. I love how the competition of cross-country takes place in this long, tough terrain. It embodies what running is all about: being out in nature, competing with other runners. Track is really fun for me. It's a bit quicker, and competition also plays a role, but there's a certain thing to be said about trying to hit certain times. You're also able to use a variety of distances as a guardrail to monitor how you're feeling.&nbsp;Your performances aren't the only part of your racing that evolves. Your training changes, too. Strength training has been a big part of my development process. Early on, I was running around 30 miles a week, doing some light workouts here and there with some cross-training. As the years have gone on, I've upped the intensity and volume. This last season, I was doing up to 55 miles a week while doing more intense workouts and feeling good and strong. I think I realised I had a talent probably right around year 11 of secondary school. I had been working and staying more consistent. Plus, no matter how I performed, I always had a love for running. I loved the freedom it afforded me. I could get away from my life's stresses and have this thing I could work toward and use to discover more about myself. That happened as soon as I started running, and it's evolved as I've gotten older and have been more in touch with the sport.&nbsp;

You can always find a new challenge to overcome as you get older. I'm really excited for this next chapter with BYU. I'm open to trying new distances, racing against different competition. I want to try it all. It's great that university isn't just a one-off experience. You learn these lessons over time. I'll have time to get a hold of things, find my rhythm and routine, get to know my teammates, <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/stories/women-running-culture-mumbai-india-nike-after-dark-tour" target="null">Coach Diljeet Taylor</a> and the other staff.&nbsp;I've been really careful about thinking too far ahead. People will ask me about aspirations like medalling in the Olympics or finding a prominence on the world stage. Those goals are incredible, obviously, and I'm working toward them, but the truth is, I don't know where I'll be in a few years. What I can focus on right now is keeping myself healthy, enjoying the sport and loving those around me.&nbsp;I'm taking things one step at a time.&nbsp;

Proving her talent across Nike's cross-country, indoor and outdoor championships, Hedengren finished her secondary school career as one of the most accomplished middle- and long-distance runners of all time.

How I got here

Indoors and out, runner Jane Hedengren is rewriting history

Think <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/jordan-brand-luka-4-official-images" target="_blank">Luka Dončić</a> and your mental picture is probably his signature step-back jumper. The unthinkable passes that land perfectly in the hands of his teammates. The creativity under pressure and borderline court omniscience that cause endless headaches for his opponents.You probably know Luka as a fierce competitor who brings a trademark tenacity to each play. A generational talent, fuelled by an expert basketball IQ. A force to be reckoned with, owning every possession and controlling the pace of the game.But Luka, a consummate hooper, also contains multitudes off the court. He loves the serenity of the ocean and grilling a good cut of beef. He's <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@espn/video/7467995779832024362?lang=en" target="null">as comfortable gaming</a> as he is driving to the hoop for a Euro step and if he weren't on the hardwood, he'd choose running point on the gridiron. Above all else, he's incredibly proud of his 1-year-old daughter, Gabriela, whom he considers his greatest inspiration.Here, Luka shares more about his passions away from the game and how they make him a better player, when he knew he was living his childhood dream and the crossover skill between two of his favourite pastimes, fishing and basketball.Getting out on the water is one of my favourite things. My father had some small boats when I was young and we started going out together when I was maybe 7 years old. Today, renting a boat reminds me of my childhood: I love being on the ocean, just relaxing, driving the boat and getting some sun.I enjoy the peace of the ocean—there's so much space and nothing more important than appreciating the views and catching some fish. The last time I was in Mexico I caught a marlin. That was an amazing moment. Probably the coolest thing I've ever caught was a little shark. Once I had a very big fish on the line, battling for seven to 10 minutes but it escaped right under the boat—a definite disappointment.Fishing betters my game and basketball betters my fishing because they both require an essential skill: patience. Mostly, I like to fish to get out on the water, relax and enjoy the sun. But fishing is a reminder of the patience that's required in basketball and in life. You need patience no matter what.

My mentality away from the game is much more relaxed. I think off the court I'm more chill—staying home, enjoying time outside, not talking too much. On the court, I like to talk more and be aggressive; it's&nbsp;working hard and having fun.I was born with an intense competitive drive. Ever since I was a kid, I've been competitive in almost everything I do. That's why it's important for me to compete hard on the court and then to recharge with other hobbies and have time with my family and friends.If I had to pick a position in another sport, I'd love to play quarterback. When I was younger, I played a lot of sports. Basketball was obviously my favourite and I played outdoors almost every day after school. I also tried tennis and&nbsp;football—just being outdoors was fun for me. I've since really grown to like American football and I have a strong arm and great vision, so I think I could QB pretty well.When I'm not training or competing, I like to go out and grill, usually a good steak and some corn. I normally cook out when it's sunny, which helps me relax with my family and recharge for my training and busy schedule during the season.My daughter brings me the most pride of anything in the world. She's my greatest supporter in life, even if she doesn't know it yet. That drives me every day. She's 15 months old and I love spending time with her and playing with her.I remember when I realised I was living my childhood dream. I left my home when I was 12 years old to go alone and play for Real Madrid. I was just settling in during my first year with the team. But in my second year, I started to come into my own. Playing for the best basketball club in Europe, that's how I knew I was making my dreams a reality.I don't usually get nervous before games. But when I do feel some nerves, like before my first home game with the Lakers, I tell myself to remember that I'm good at what I do—I just need to go through my routine and do what I do best.The best advice I return to is simple: have fun, especially on the basketball court. When something doesn't go as planned, I just remember: "You've been doing this your whole life. You know how to do it. Go out there and have fun".

The Los Angeles Lakers guard goes deep on fishing, grilling and the secret to staying sane on the court.

Luka Dončić is more than just one of the best players in the league

Five games into his professional career, on his third-straight away game, Victor Wembanyama was already at home in the NBA. He scored 38 points, grabbed 10 boards and put up two blocks by the end of the night. At season's end, he'd average nearly four blocks a game, leading the league.&nbsp;Victor is all unreal numbers. The 20-year-old's&nbsp;7'4" frame swallows every square inch of the court. Offensively, he's fluid and mobile. Defensively, he's a one-man zone, able to turn away opposing fast breaks through his size and his stare. Evaluating rookies in the NBA is usually a challenge of evaluating their floor. At a minimum, what can this player become? He entered the league and instantly, the question was how high his ceiling might be—or whether there was one.&nbsp;Here, Victor answers our questions on what it takes to win—from transcending his own limits to banishing fear from his life. I knew from an early age the kind of professional I wanted to be. There's a lot of things we have to do as pro athletes that people in other jobs don't need to worry about, like getting enough sleep after you play a back-to-back and fly to a different time zone. I decided I need to get better sleep. When I start my dinnertime meal, my alarm for the next morning is already set on my phone and I'm not going to use my phone for the rest of the night.&nbsp;I'm lucky in that I can say I'm competing for multiple places. Wearing the France national jersey is one of the strongest feelings I know. In the NBA, I'm attached to the city of San Antonio. I'm a part of it. They've welcomed me.&nbsp;

All my life, I've been much taller than everyone on the court. So, when coaches saw me doing dribbles through the legs and doing fadeaways and stuff, their first reflex was to tell me not to do it. All my life, there's been this pressure to put me in a box. It's been the toughest battle I've fought my whole life. Now, I do have more freedom than before, but I'm convinced that my freedom wouldn't be here without my efforts to go against those stereotypes.Here's what I'd tell any kid who's struggling with something:&nbsp;when I was 12 years old, I went through a discouraging period. I was having trouble with my shot during my games. I obviously was growing a lot at that time and I was even skinnier than I am now, so I had trouble getting my shot off consistently against defenders. My coach told me, "When you're a professional, you'll be working on the present. But right now, you're working for the future".&nbsp;Seeing a kid wear my jersey is special. Any time I catch highlights of our games, I like watching the reactions in the stands and you naturally see the kids who are wearing your jersey. It's not the first thing you think about when you become an NBA player, but you realise you can positively influence the next generation through something you love. It's beautiful.&nbsp;It really saddens me when I see a lack of ambition from people. Usually, it comes from being scared and thinking "I'm not enough". Assuming that things are too big or too ambitious are things I've decided to banish from my life.At the end of the day, it's on you to define what your goals are in life, what you want to become. Winning is accomplishing those things that matter most to you.&nbsp;

I want to help create a new era of dominance for French basketball. That involves promoting the sport and making it more popular in the country for our youth. For professional basketball in France, I think our potential doesn't match our current investment. How can we improve our facilities? How can we train the best staff? We just need to match our potential and foster our pool of talent that's already here. France has the brightest future of any country in the world for basketball.Someone asked me how I make sure my name doesn't grow bigger than the Spurs organisation. That will never happen. The team wants me to succeed and be the best I can be. They've made a lot of sacrifices for me. I want the whole organisation to know how much I understand all that they've done. Sometimes, it's a little thing like sending a text or welcoming someone new to the organisation. I try to show people their worth in all they do. I'm not scared to grow bigger than them, because I want to make the Spurs as big as I can. I want to give back to them as much as possible.&nbsp;I don't think anyone could have a higher expectation for me than I have for myself. So, it's really no big deal when I hear people call me a once-in-a-generation player. The only people to whom I have something to prove are my coach and my team. Even my parents don't have expectations for me; they just want me to be happy. When I don't want to see all that pressure, I turn off my phone. It's as simple as that, but there's really no pressure or expectations. I never felt like I had something to owe to the world. I'm just playing basketball.

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

The legend of Victor Wembanyama is growing

Editor's Picks

Story Landing

Interview by﻿<a href="https://alessandracodinha.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">ALESSANDRA CODINHA</a>The success of the trainer/athlete relationship, like that of most relationships really, comes down to a lot of hard work and a little bit of chemistry. Or in the case of Nike Well Collective Trainer Kirsty Godso and the model and actress Kaia Gerber, a lot of hard work and lots of chemistry. Over 3 years of working out together five days a week (that's tens of thousands of reps in case anyone's counting), Kirsty is still the person Kaia is most psyched to spend time with, even on those days when working out is the last thing she feels psyched to do. And for Kirsty, the feeling is entirely mutual.&nbsp;And as Kaia has gained strength—with Kirsty helping her to unlock an athleticism she never dreamt she had—so too has their bond. Alessandra Codinha sits down with these twin flames to talk about the importance of accountability, the beauty of setting random personal fitness goals and the magic of unexpected synergy.

﻿ALESSANDRA CODINHA How did you two first get—and start moving—together?KIRSTY GODSO Kaia and I first met in a Pilates class in 2021. One day she was like, "Oh, I'd love to train with you". We started working out together five times a week, and the rest is history.﻿ALESSANDRA What do you appreciate the most about each other since you've been working together?KAIA GERBER Oh my God, yeah. Start with the light one.KIRSTY I think our humour and our loyalty. We have such a fun time in the gym. Sometimes it's really difficult being a personal trainer. You are tired, and you are giving away your passion all the time, and working out last or not working out at all. And what I love about Kaia is it never feels like that with her. It feels so reciprocal all the time. She's such an amazing friend to me. You are my fiercest cheerleader. And I feel like I am yours. Whenever people see us working out together, they're like, you guys are always laughing, you're always having a good time. Even if it's on a day where maybe one of us doesn't feel that way, we feel better when we walk away from that session.KAIA There are so many aspects of my life where I have to show up as a certain person or a certain idea of a person. And I feel like with KG, I can show up exactly how I am that day. She knows everything about me, and I love not having to explain anything to her. We really stand up for each other and encourage each other to stand up for ourselves. I just find so much strength in her. She's the closest girlfriend I have.KIRSTY My God, I'm gonna cry. We're getting married.KAIA I know, these are the vows.

﻿ALESSANDRA What was your fitness background when you started working together?KAIA l honestly never considered myself to be athletic and got told in PE that I was the least athletic person they had, ever. And when people used to tell me that working out was actually for your mental health, I was like, that's not true. That's crazy. Now I'm one of those people who is like, you know what would really help your mental health?Being strong is so much about the way that you feel rather than the way that you look.﻿ALESSANDRA Those are the benefits of this holistic movement-type fitness programme, right? Because it's physical. It's mental, and it gives you that emotional feedback, too.KAIA Yeah, absolutely. Some days that's the only hour of my day where I'm doing something for myself. It's also sometimes the only hour of the day where you're not on your phone. It forces you to really be present and in touch with yourself.KIRSTY I feel like I'm overwhelmed as a person, and I'm not in the public eye. So I can't imagine how overwhelming that is if you don't have a practice to anchor you and help you recalibrate.KAIA It's why I love movement so much and what KG and I do together, because your body does not lie to you. It's so easy to go through life and kind of cast our feelings aside and focus on work or focus on things that feel like they matter, but they don't. Your body literally does not lie to you. So if you are doing something that is active and really taking that moment to connect with your body, it's such a smart indication of where we're at mentally and physically. You can't fake it. You have to practise patience and acceptance with yourself as well. I really like that. It forces this really honest connection with yourself.

﻿ALESSANDRA Tell me about a training session. What's the vibe?&nbsp;KIRSTY Well. It always starts with caffeine and enthusiasm. We take care of the body with activation, foam rolling. And then she'll go through a really impressive cardio warm-up that's not for the faint-hearted. We do it all. We do strength. We do Pilates-based stuff. We do running, we do high intensity, we do conditioning, we stretch. Recovery is much better when you have a well-rounded training plan. But I think the most important thing is our training sessions are so focused because Kaia is so diligent. I only have to tell her something once and then that's it, she knows it. So we can get through so much work because she's so present in that hour. That allows us to absolutely maximise that time and get the most out of whatever she needs in the session.KAIA What I've noticed with the work that I've been doing with KG is that it applies to so many different parts of my life. I see the benefits across so many different areas.KIRSTY It's funny. I think mentally, too, we're wired the same way. We have the same drive. We are both bad about boundaries and different things.KAIA We both give too much. But I also think I was, you know, from a very young age in an industry that is very look orientated. And so working with KG has helped change my relationship to physical activity and strength. You might have a specific way you thought that you would want to look, but it's not the way that you feel the best. Sometimes we set these standards on ourselves that are not actually healthy.KIRSTY When we first met, one of the first things you said to me was, I want to feel strong. And I thought it was really cool, because I think you were 20 at the time. Not many 20-year-olds would. People are like, oh, I want to look like this.KAIA I spent so many years thinking I want to look like this, that by the time we met, I was ready to just feel good. Like, I think I would like to feel now. [laughs] I'd like to feel healthy.KIRSTY That's the thing, too, with fitness in general. You hear people talk about it all the time, how do you want to look? I always ask people, how do you feel today? Because if you tell me how you feel, that's a better barometer. I always tell people, yo, you can have the best body of your life. But if you never see it that way and you don't feel connected with yourself, it doesn't matter, it's for nothing.

KAIA You won't even be able to appreciate it.KIRSTY And I think what's fun, too, when you train someone, is making it personal. OK, what are your goals? What is your current structure? Are you getting ready for a role? Do you have a show coming up? Do you have this? Do you have this? We can factor in all those things. And then she's also just like, "I want to run a six-minute mile". I'm like great, OK, cool. We're going to slot that in on this day.KAIA We'll set random goals that are just personal.KIRSTY Just-for-fun goals. It's shocking to me that someone told you you're not athletic because you're so coordinated. So I'm like, who is this evil person? Like, you can't say stuff like this to a child.KAIA But that's the thing, the things that your teachers say to you when you're little—KIRSTY You believe it.KAIA You remember it. And it's a story you tell yourself for the rest of your life. That's why I love KG, she's so proud of me.KIRSTY She's like, I'm a terrible runner. I'm like, no, babe, I hate to break it to you ...KAIA I would get a doctor's note to get out of running the mile. And now KG's like, we're getting on the treadmill. And I'm so excited.KIRSTY She's like: Here we go!KAIA But you have to be around someone who's&nbsp;encouraging and lifts you up. I want positive reinforcement, I want encouragement. And that wasn't always given to me. So I think like having that, like I just want to make her proud.KIRSTY I'm so proud.

﻿ALESSANDRA What have you learnt about yourself through coaching, or being coached?KIRSTY It's important on the days that you don't care about yourself that someone else can care for you and remind you why you're there. Working out can be a very personal pursuit, and sometimes it can be a little bit lonely. So having a coach is just this accountability metric. It feels like you're doing it with someone. That makes it feel a lot more doable. And there's something really self-fulfilling about making people feel better about themselves. Like, that's a win for both of us.﻿ALESSANDRA Any fitness myths you want to dispel? KAIA Being a young woman, there's so much noise about how you're supposed to look. So I loved that KG asked me, how do you want to feel? Especially on the days where I'm like, I don't want to be here. I don't want to go to the gym. I don't want to do it. Afterwards you feel so good because you're like, I can do hard things!&nbsp;KIRSTY I really want people to see that Kaia is such a positive role model, because I don't think they understand her mental relationship with fitness and how healthy it is. It's not the use and abuse thing we see a lot. It's really just about being like, hey, you should want to take care of your body and take care of your mind through making good and healthy decisions.KAIA My mum started [working out] at a pretty young age too. And she never let that go. Even with having children and everything. It's been such a constant in her life and it still is. And that always really inspired me. So once I formed that relationship with fitness myself, I was like, oh yeah, you marry it. You don't just date it.&nbsp;KIRSTY Because once you know how you feel it's hard to go back. Even when sometimes we're like, oh, I should go out to this thing, it'd be fun. But I really just want to get up and feel good in the morning and go to the gym.KAIA People might think we're boring, but actually, if you see us in the gym, we're not boring! We're very exciting!&nbsp;KIRSTY We are having a blast.

Words and images from the <a href="https://linkin.bio/nikewomen/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nike Women</a> Zine, Volume 1.

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

Feature

Stronger together: Kaia Gerber and Kirsty Godso are twin flames

Hoopers A'ja Wilson and Dawn Staley's history is written in championships. A'ja helped lead the South Carolina team that Dawn coached to a national title in 2017, then repeated the feat in Tokyo, where Dawn coached A'ja and Team USA to a podium-topping Games victory.Individually, the pair has an unreal count of hardware and accolades. Some highlights: A'ja is a two-time WNBA champion and six-time WNBA All-Star, and Dawn's racked up three Olympic gold medals as a player to go with her 2021 gold as a coach.In this audio excerpt from our Nike On Air episode with <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K1npueUuGbA&list=PLzCpxgdUI1lb76imfH3bi7k9MdFHVZ3q_&index=24&t=3s&pp=2AEDkAIB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Womanica</a>, A'ja and Dawn unpack their famous coach-player bond and what it takes to perform on the court.

To hear the full interview with A'ja and Dawn&nbsp;—&nbsp;and learn more about the push-pull of their relationship, how they've overcome adversity and the legacy they want to leave—check out their Womanica podcast on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nike-on-air-creating-a-legacy-with-dawn-staley-and-aja-wilson/id1464524725?i=1000662112482" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">Apple</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NeCQapA2doeXhMGtX6aZW" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">Spotify</a>, <a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=K1npueUuGbA&list=PLzCpxgdUI1lb76imfH3bi7k9MdFHVZ3q_&index=24&t=3s&pp=2AEDkAIB" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">YouTube</a> or wherever you get your podcasts.

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

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

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

Sunny Choi was climbing the corporate ladder when she heard that breaking would be an event at the world's biggest stage in sport. After years of upholding society's standards of what a successful life looks like, the 35-year-old former secondary school gymnast knew she needed to take a chance on finding more joy and fulfilment from a sport built on creative spontaneity.In this audio excerpt from our Nike On Air episode with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8-nMr0ofEg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Womanica</a>, Sunny describes exactly what it feels like to be in the heat of a breaking battle—and why sometimes the best strategy is no strategy at all.

To hear the full interview with Sunny&nbsp;—&nbsp;and learn about breakers' style, how they battle and what kids can get from the sport—check out her Womanica podcast on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nike-on-air-breaking-new-ground-with-sunny-choi/id1464524725?i=1000661424321" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">Apple</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/04LcCHEIM5DH33fRXrePRK" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8-nMr0ofEg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your podcasts.﻿

Sometimes the best strategy is no strategy.

How breaker Sunny Choi preps for a battle

Closing hurdling events might be one of the toughest feats in athletics. Elite athletics 400-metre hurdler Anna Cockrell knows. She's been racing the event for most of her life. Her legs burning while sprinting a full lap around the track? Tick. Now throw in 10 hurdles, each raised up to half her body height, spaced evenly to the finishing line. We asked Anna what's running through her mind as she races the event, clearing hurdles both physical and mental.&nbsp;There's not a lot of time for coherent thought in the last 100 metres of the 400-metre hurdles. One, you're trying to run as fast as you can, and two, you're carrying a lot of fatigue to the point of being in pain. Your mantras have to be simple. What I usually tell myself are the words "go" and "clean", as in, keep a clean technique. I have a background in 110-metre hurdles, so I'd like to think that my technique is better than most. You need to keep your technique clean throughout the entirety of the race, which is easier said than done when you're exhausted towards the end. I also count my steps. When we get to hurdle 8 approaching the home stretch, I'm just like, "go, go, go. 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10, clean, clean, clean, go, go, go". The same words over and over again, and I count my steps to make sure I'm on rhythm and moving the way I should.&nbsp;

Your training as a hurdler can help you adjust on the fly. Hurdle training differs from sprint training because you do need a good amount of mobility and flexibility. You need to easily and efficiently clear the hurdles. Now, you don't necessarily need to be so flexible that you can bring your leg all the way to your face! But when you get to the end of the race and you start to feel fatigued, you want to have a good range of motion so that you can get out of dangerous situations: if you take a hurdle wrong, if you're too far, too close. Your training prepares you to handle those unexpected challenges.I do hurdle technique drills all the time. Walking with the hurdles, skipping with the hurdles, bringing the hurdles all the way down so you can train at different stride frequencies. For us, the hurdles in the Olympics are at 30 inches (76cm approx.). Sometimes I train with the hurdles at 36 inches (91.5cm approx.) to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. And then I stretch, as simple as it sounds. At this point in the season, your body has been through a lot, it's a little beat up. One of the best way to take care of yourself is to stretch before training and after training.

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

Fan hub

Anna Cockrell on clearing hurdles—physical and mental

Nike athletics coach <a href="https://about.nike.com/en/newsroom/releases/nike-athlete-think-tank-third-cohort" rel="noopener noreferrer">Diljeet Taylor</a> is a literal pro at coaching champions through running's demanding middle- and long-distance races—the 1,500m, 5,000m and 10,000m. In these longer events, she says the podium can be decided by "the kick": that sudden surge in the final metres when an athlete's able to turn on the jets. Here, she shares a simple strategy for sprinting through the finishing line.

The closing stage of a race is the most exciting part of our sport, right? In those minute fractions of a second, medals are won or lost, and those tiny moments define people's lives. To coach our athletes for that final kick, we frame it as, you've got to be strong enough to arrive at that last stage with the least amount of damage accrued. People think what you're seeing when athletes sprint at the end is just this natural speed, when actually, it's that they had to arrive at the stage of "one lap to go" really, really strong so they're able to use that speed. If they don't expend too much energy early on—battling for position or making moves when they shouldn't—and they can stay relaxed and confident, then they're set up for the optimal kick. Some of that is pure racing instinct.

There's also a mindset that you need to get to those final metres and be able to hold on to your lead or execute a kick that gets you to the line first. It's about the ability to make your world really, really small. Your focus is the next 10, the next five metres and what you need to do to stay strong. If your thought is, "Am I going to medal?", that's too big. You have to be precise and zero in on the work—e&nbsp;ven when you know you're in the biggest moment of your life.

Editor's note: One of Nike's most famous long-distance closers was Steve Prefontaine, "America's Distance Prodigy". Pre ran each race as if his life depended on it. His competitive fire, gutsy race tactics and inherent charisma charmed crowds and inspired up-and-coming runners to stick with the sport and give it their all.&nbsp;

His last competition was 29 May 1975, in a race he helped organise against members of the Finnish national team and distance heavy hitters such as Frank Shorter. Competing in the 5,000m, Prefontaine trailed Shorter the first two miles, then, with three laps to go, accelerated to a 63-second pace. In front of a cheering Hayward Field crowd, he finished with a 60.3 last lap and a winning time of 13:23.8, just off his own American record. The ultimate kick.

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

How pro runners prepare for a powerful kick

In August of 2023, Sha'Carri Richardson dashed towards the finishing line of the 100 metre World Championships in Budapest. In the lead, she raised her arms some five metres away from the tape in pure joy. Five metres is as wide as the Grand Canyon in the world of athletics. For Richardson, what you see is what you get, and what you saw was a 23-year-old phenom from Dallas officially become the fastest woman in the world. Why shouldn't she celebrate like it? Here, Sha'Carri 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.

I'm inspired whenever someone tells me I can't do something. Growing up, when I noticed I was really good at athletics, one of my first role models was Wilma Rudolph. She was literally told from her childhood that she could never walk because of her polio, and she went on to become a champion.I want my style to separate myself from every other competitor at the starting line. My other big role model was Flo-Jo (Florence Griffith Joyner), definitely. She looked different from the other runners every time she stepped onto the track. You knew she was going to flow. I thought from an early age, if I'm going to do athletics, I want to be at the top just like her.My generation of female runners need more insight about what to expect at the professional level. I didn't get that when I turned pro, so I want to give that back to the next generation of runners. They deserve to know what they next level of competition is like.Part of being more than an athlete means being human. When you step onto the track, yes, we see you as a superhero. But I'm not perfect. At the end of the day, you're going to see me eat, you'll see me shop, you'll see me enjoy my family and friends just like the next person. Being a real person is always something I want to reiterate when I use my platform.&nbsp;A few years ago, I realised I have to be aware of everything I say. It was when my social media followers jumped in 2019 after I broke the collegiate record in the 100m. Everything I tweeted went viral. I thought, whoa, I'm a role model. If y'all are looking at me like that, why wouldn't girls and boys look at me the same way?&nbsp;

Girls can be role models for boys, and vice-versa. Whoever is putting forth what you want to see for yourself, you can see that person as a role model. Like, I love watching American footballers. They're not holding back. You see the grit, the energy, the tenacity, everything. You're in their world now. When I step onto the track, you're in my world.&nbsp;Realness needs realness. My family keeps me grounded. They're the ones who can tell me, Sure you run fast, but I still know that little girl from Dallas. When I get on that line, I'm representing all of those people who believe in me and who check me with honesty. Without Team Sha'Carri, there's no Sha'Carri Richardson.I need to keep up a personal routine to keep my mental health number one. I do way less social media than I used to. I do more breathing exercises. I've been writing more, which is new for me. I used to think sitting down and putting my thoughts down on paper was a waste of time, but no, it's a whole different source of relief for me.Having a coach who respects what makes you different is a game-changer. My coach and I have a great relationship, and a lot of that comes from how he understands what makes me different. And I'm a lot of different [Laughs]. He knows my personality is core to who I am, so he encourages me to be that person. He doesn't try to change me. I trust him wholeheartedly.When people think Sha'Carri Richardson, I want them to think someone who's real, someone who knows her reality, her goals, her abilities. Someone who's not comparing herself to the person in front of her or behind her. I want to create greatness and give the world a show.&nbsp;

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

Legendary sprinter Sanya Richards-Ross knows exactly how to complete a lap of the track in the fastest possible time: the Nike athlete is the American record holder in the distance, she won Olympic gold in the 400m in London&nbsp;and she's recorded more sub-50-second finishes in the event than any other woman sprinter, with a career total of 49 times. Here, she shares her secrets to topping the podium—and what the sprinters in Paris will need to do to bring home some hardware.Preparing for the 400 metres is intense. I always say the 400 is not just a test of your physical capabilities, but also your mental stamina. For these athletes who obviously have been training, preparing and dreaming of this moment for so long, it's about executing the race that they've run a million times, the race they've seen in their mind's eye that their coach has prepared them to run.To win the 400, I always used the four Ps: Push: this is the first 50 metres and you're coming out strongPace: down the back, you're looking to hold position and not over-revPosition: rounding the final turn, try to stretch your position as much as possiblePray: coming home, stay poised, execute your best kick and land on the podium

You need to be ready to adapt as well. In 2012, I worked with a sports psychologist who told me, "Something is going to happen that you can't prepare for—and when it does, you're going to put your hand on your lower stomach and you are going to breathe into your hand and you're going to get back in the moment". And I'll never forget, I was standing on the track in London, ready to run my final, and they were announcing the athletes and they got to the winner from 2008, the year I won the bronze—she&nbsp;was announced after me and it was her home country, and I had never heard a crowd get that loud before in my life. It was unnerving. And then I thought, this is the moment that I prepared for and I put my hand on my stomach, took my breath and I rebounded and refocused.Overall, you need that mental preparation. I think of what our Nike athlete TeeTee Terry said about coming to Paris, that you've got to walk in like you've already won. You've got to embody what it means to be a champion. And that's my mindset too. I remember in 2012, I kept saying to myself, "How would I be if I already won? Like, what would this experience be like?" And it made it so much more fun, so much lighter, because I was like, "I already did it! I've already won". I psyched myself up that way, mentally, so that I wasn't so anxious for the experience. And then I really won.

It's about more than running as fast as you can for a lap. Here, the champion sprinter shares her secrets.

Nike is celebrating a love of sport with the world by providing fandom-fuelling stories and distinct, engaging experiences in Paris and beyond.

Powering sport

Sanya Richards-Ross explains how to win the 400-metre sprint

The margin for victory in Paris can come down to inches, kilograms and milliseconds. But what happens when two athletes are tied at the end of competition?&nbsp;Tiebreakers have a precedent in the final heats as recently as 2020, when the high-jump gold medal in Tokyo was ultimately shared by two jumpers. It wasn't always this way. A change in the rulebook in 2009 allowed competitors to make a mutual choice: share a winning jump or battle in a jump-for-jump faceoff until one athlete was left standing.&nbsp;Not surprisingly, tiebreakers for each sport have detailed rules that explain how to determine a champion. What&nbsp;is&nbsp;surprising is that each tiebreaker can look slightly different, following checklists of outcomes that can look downright improbable—but never impossible. We're taking a look at the tiebreaking procedures for some of your favourite events.<h3>Swimming: for the team</h3>Let's start with qualifying heats and semi-finals: for individual events of 200m or less, ties for the last qualification or reserve position are broken by swim-offs. In other words, the swimmers get back in the pool and square off. However, in events longer than 200m and in all relays, all tied athletes or teams advance to compete in the final, with a maximum of 10 lanes. That's one stacked field. If more than three swimmers or teams are tied for the last qualification place, a swim-off may be held.&nbsp;<h3>Long jump: next up</h3>In the long jump final, competitors have six attempts to jump their furthest distance. During competitions, all valid attempts that aren't fouls (i.e. jumps that have illegal landings or that begin beyond the foul line) are recorded, but only the best jump of each competitor counts towards the final result. If two competitors tie with their longest jump, their next-longest legal jump is used as the tiebreaker.&nbsp;Weightlifting: get there firstWeightlifting is comprised of two events: the snatch and the clean and jerk. From the minute lifters step onto the platform, they get 60 seconds to complete their attempt. They have three attempts per round to lift the most weight they can. The final result is determined by adding each competitor's best snatch attempt with their&nbsp;best clean and jerk attempt to achieve a combined total. The lifter with the highest combined total is the winner. In the case of a tie, the competitor who lifts the total weight first receives the higher ranking.&nbsp;Pole vault: try and try again&nbsp;The winner of the event is the vaulter who successfully clears the highest height. In the event of a tie, the vaulter with the fewest failures at the height is the winner. If the tie remains, the winner is the vaulter who produces the fewest failures throughout the entire competition. If the tied athletes remain tied, the winner is decided by a jump-off. Each jumper has one attempt per height. The bar is lowered if the vaulters fail. The bar is raised if the vaulters succeed. This process continues until only one jumper succeeds at one height.&nbsp;Wrestling: in&nbsp;a very particular orderFirst, some distinctions between Greco-Roman and Freestyle. In Greco-Roman, a wrestler may not attack their opponent below the waist, nor use their own legs to trip, lift or execute other holds. In Freestyle, the arms and legs are used to execute holds. If the wrestlers are tied in either a Greco-Roman match or a Freestyle match, the winner is declared using an exhausting list of criteria, following a descending order of priority:<ul><li>Whomever scored the most points on a single hold</li><li>Whomever had the fewest number of cautions</li><li>Whomever scored the last technical point in the match (this is the final tiebreaker in Freestyle wrestling)</li><li>Whomever is deemed to be the most active wrestler last in the match (this is the final tiebreaker in a Greco-Roman match) </li></ul>

Too close to call? We dust off the rulebook for five sports to explain how to crown a winner.

Your guide to tiebreakers in Paris

Nike athlete Janee' Kassanavoid didn't intend to be a hammer thrower. She fell into the event by chance while on her athletics team in secondary school—and found a sport she could dominate.In 2022 at the World Athletics Championships, Janee', a member of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma, threw a hammer almost 75 metres—that's nearly three quarters of an American football field—to win bronze, becoming the first Native woman to medal at Worlds. Janee''s take on her success: "Knowing I'm Native American, I'm Indigenous, I'm a woman, and having strength and that body confidence and being proud of who I am and where I come from—that is what I want to leave behind". Listen below to hear more of what Janee' thinks about breaking records and barriers, from an audio excerpt of our Nike On Air episode with <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV8c5q8Iy3s&list=PLzCpxgdUI1lb76imfH3bi7k9MdFHVZ3q_&index=16&t=11s" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Womanica</a>.

To hear the full interview with Janee'&nbsp;—&nbsp;and learn more about her rise in the sport, her work to get Native athletes into sport and how to properly throw the hammer—check out the Womanica podcast on&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/nike-on-air-making-history-with-ibtihaj-muhammad-and/id1464524725?i=1000662155808" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">Apple</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://open.spotify.com/episode/2Brq2LfYc1D8ivEE7eyvYc__;!!KLCbKzk!koGd-tqaEEWIGRY6WUnThLk2WyGvzQyvMWKQTTbaKzKAvI4pKJrL88OYrQtda75Sqy3WAILtLYrJjJyy-Q3wC8p4knArzQ$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">Spotify</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QV8c5q8Iy3s&list=PLzCpxgdUI1lb76imfH3bi7k9MdFHVZ3q_&index=15&t=11s__;!!KLCbKzk!koGd-tqaEEWIGRY6WUnThLk2WyGvzQyvMWKQTTbaKzKAvI4pKJrL88OYrQtda75Sqy3WAILtLYrJjJyy-Q3wC8oboEdC_g$" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" class="ql-size-small">YouTube</a>&nbsp;or wherever you get your podcasts.

Representing and empowering Native athletes is only the beginning.

Hammer thrower Janee' Kassanavoid is ready to leave her mark

Check ball: 3-on-3 basketball is back on the world stage after debuting in Tokyo in 2021. Allisha Gray, a guard for the Atlanta Dream, represented the US on the squad that took home gold. For Allisha, 3-on-3 is a mix of traditional strategy, unrelenting pace and quick thinking. As she prepares for Paris, we asked her to give us the rundown on the game's basic rules and the important differences that make 3-on-3 distinct from the traditional 5-on-5.&nbsp;It's a 10-minute game played by ones and twos. There are seven fouls, it's two free throws, and once you get to 10 fouls, it's two free throws and the ball back. The winner is the first team to 21 or whoever is leading by the end of 10 minutes.&nbsp;It's a continuous game and always fast paced. The shot clock is just 12 seconds. You have no time to stand around and catch your breath. It's either offence or straight back to defence after the other team clears the ball beyond the 3-point line. After a scored basket, the game keeps going.&nbsp;Spacing is very important. In 3-on-3 basketball, it's much harder to give help side defence. There's very little double-teaming because it's almost impossible to rotate from the top of the key down to the baseline, or vice versa.&nbsp;On offence, you don't want to be on top of your teammate because you're stopping her from getting to the basket, and your defender can guard two players at once. In 5-on-5, you usually have a post player camped out on the block, so you could drive and accidentally collide with them. But if you're spacing out the floor, you're forcing your defender to make a decision on who to cover.

3-on-3 by the numbers

The lightning-fast format returns to Paris this summer. Allisha Gray, guard for the Atlanta Dream and a member of Tokyo's gold medal-winning team, explains the most important details behind 3-on-3 basketball.

Everything you need to know about 3-on-3 basketball

Winner of nine gold medals, American Carl Lewis is one of the world's most decorated athletes. His performances in the 100 metres, 200 metres and long jump are the stuff of individual legend—his leaping dominance stretched from 1984 to 1996. He is also a former world record holder in the 4 x 100 metre relay, his team netting a time of 37.40&nbsp;during the 1992 Barcelona Games.&nbsp;The [sprint] relay is not just about the runners; it's about the baton. When the race starts, the objective is to keep the baton going the same speed once it gets to full speed. That means the incoming runner and the outgoing runner—the one taking the handoff—have to be going the same speed. Great passes come when the receiver of the baton is focused on matching the speed of the runner coming in. The relay is complicated because, obviously, the baton has to get around, but the event is based on that simple philosophy of shared speed. If that's achieved, the team should achieve.

For the individual legs, there are some unique responsibilities. The starter's job is to get the race going and to make up some distance. The key to the exchange is making it later in the [20-metre pass] zone. If you really want to be fast, stretch it out to the incoming guy, who has to run after that guy—because then he's focused on running full speed all the way. And cannot slow down in the zone. The second leg is important because if the pass is smooth, the runner is on the straight. The second and third legs can be the longest, depending on how the pass zone is run, but the second leg isn't on any curves so a good pace can actually create the illusion of making up more distance. The third-leg pass is important because if it's smooth, the team can make up the distance. As such, the second leg is really important: it's that runner's job to put the team out to the lead, and then the third leg must either extend or maintain it. The anchor leg has two jobs: win and, hopefully, set a record. That's it.

The American athletics legend explains why the 4 x 100-metre relay is not about the runners; it's about the baton.

Carl Lewis on the 4 x 100-metre sprint relay

The sounds of an unfamiliar beat shook the cobblestones in the City of Lights. The year was 1984, and the New York-born artist Futura had returned to Paris, painting backdrops alongside artist Dondi White for the Bronx-based Rock Steady Crew during the world's first International hip-hop tour. The group would later travel to France to face off against Paris City Breakers, a new dance crew that looked to measure its talent against New York's best b-boys. The breaking subculture had drifted to Western Europe from New York City in the mid '80s thanks to hit films like Flashdance and Beat Street. The dance style was quickly forming the fourth "pillar" of hip-hop, joining MCing, DJing and graffiti art.&nbsp; Futura—born Leonard Hilton McGurr—&nbsp;was completing a live graffiti installation during that dance battle. The face-off was a transcontinental moment, something he could sense even as a young artist. He remembers how the music and the dance performances were collisions of underground cultures. Geography was channelled through the notes. For the breakers, geography was channelled through the wrists, the fingertips and the ankles.&nbsp; "I've always had a special connection to France because of that tour", says Futura, now 68. "France embraced us and this New York City art form. So, when I found out that breaking was going to debut as an event in Paris 40 years later, everything lined up beautifully".

That battle in Paris, Futura's relationship to breaking and his work with Nike all come full circle in his latest act: designing this year's breaking kits for the United States, Korea and Japan, and helping to introduce the new Nike Jam, the first shoe designed from the ground up for breakers.&nbsp;

Bridging culture and character

In the world of breaking, few artists have been so integrated into the dance style's rise as Futura. He rose to prominence in the '70s as a new wave of underground NYC painters claimed the city. Futura's art stood out among his peers. He introduced a kind of abstraction to graffiti in a time when it was mostly a letter-based discipline. Where he distinguished himself, he says, was how he interpreted those abstractions into characters, most notably the Pointman—almost extra-terrestrial, grounded in poses that demanded to be contemplated. This inspired his contributions to the three Nike federation kits. "Even though the countries have individual competitors, each of the federations seemed to me to belong to the same family. The kits would form one collection with three nations", says Futura. "So how would each federation define a specific creative idea? I decided that each one would have its own character, or mascot". One benefit of using characters as a muse, he says, is how they naturally embody certain traits, attributes and skills in ways that an abstract design might not. Each of the mascots for the kits had to characterise the physical experiencing of breaking. Words like kinetic and fluid came to his mind. Atmospheric, a label that Futura uses to describe his art, naturally applies to the sight of a breaker at work; an airy lightness guides every move they make.&nbsp;

The breaking apparel features many of the atmospheric characters and sketches that distinguish Futura's art.

Futura [seated, in black jacket] checks out the breaking apparel in Blue Ribbon Studios at Nike's World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.

For the apparel, Nike designers took staple Nike Sportswear pieces and made simple adjustments—from providing a second layer inside the shoulder and elbow area of the hoodie for extra protection to adding more fabric to the sleeves and trouser legs for better mobility.

"Atmospheric", a label that Futura uses to describe his art, naturally applies to the sight of a breaker at work; an airy lightness guides every move they make.

Futura reviews an assortment of patches that appear throughout the collection.

Another term central to Futura's process was athletic. Elite breakers show off an athleticism on par with the world's best gymnasts. In reflecting an airy motion among his mascots, Futura pays respect to the incredible physical abilities of the breakers competing in Paris.&nbsp; "Artists in hip-hop have huge respect for what breakers are able to pull off", says Futura. "Breakers are the ones pushing the limits of their bodies. Graffiti artists, DJs, MCs—we're all afforded a longevity in our careers that breakers don't have". A breaker could blow out an ACL, Futura notes, and their career is over—but that doesn't stop breakers from doing what they love. It's also why, he adds, this Nike apparel collection had to serve the needs of breakers. "On the garments, my characters had to symbolise a physicality, the way they're putting their bodies on the line", he says. Nike designers also asked Futura for his detailed feedback on the Nike Jam, a shoe developed with the feedback of hundreds of breakers who visited the LeBron James Innovation Building to embark on cutting-edge testing. The Nike Sport Research Lab supplied the rationale for many of the shoe's technical details, such as which areas of the outsole to reinforce based on how much force breakers put on certain areas of their foot. Futura's contribution was largely in recommending the shoe's material choices—leathers on the panel overlays for a premium feel, suede over the eyestays for durability, chenille hits on the tongue for an unexpected touch of comfort. Breakers couldn't feel like they were performing in an Alphafly, after all. A specific look and feeling had to come together in a delicate balance.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leaving his mark

Futura has a rich history with Nike collabs. He's been the creative spirit behind some of the most sought-after releases in the Nike SB line, including Dunks and P-Rods (his most recent design, a Dunk Low released in May, is easily a frontrunner for Dunk of the Year). A partnership built on that kind of longevity and mutual trust gives him a sense for when to dial up his creative additions and when to let the ingenuity of the silhouette stand on its own. Innovating isn't always about creating a new shoe, he's quick to say. It can mean imagining fresh material combinations that we've never seen before—just look at the Jam's upper, where performance fabrics like engineered mesh are paired with traditional lifestyle fabrics.He calls out another small detail. On a limited edition of the Jam releasing later this summer, the shoe sports Futura's name on the tongue, in his swooping signature. Seeing his name adorned on a shoe still gives him chills, he says."A lot of artists would say that seeing their own signature is a big source of pride, because it's one of the most original elements of their stories that live on in their work", he says. "It's the same kind of feeling I get whenever I see my name in any public space, whether that's a subway wall, a gallery wall or a product".Not that he could have ever predicted it back in those early-80s days. "If you would've told me as a young kid that this illegal thing I was doing, tagging walls, would eventually lead to something like this, I would've said you were crazy".

The famed graffiti artist led this season's collection, tapping into a special memory from Paris.