LIGHTEN UP, NIKE

Nike needs a chill pill.

Their Paris Olympics campaign takes a shiv to the back of the Olympic spirit in its attempt to glorify winning above all else.

Maybe, somehow by some miracle you haven’t the movie “Stripes” (likely because you’re not old and don’t obsess over early 80’s comedies). Anyhoo, in one of the many iconic scenes, there is a bunch of Army cadets gathered to introduce themselves. One particular gung-ho soldier has anger issues and just wants to go to war. He insists everyone call him “Pyscho” or else he’ll kill them. He also has a very un-PC line about people touching his stuff. To which his superior officer says “lighten up, Francis.” (which is his real first name).

The Nike execs need to re-watch that scene because these new Nike ads scream insecurity, selfishness and false bravado.

As an ex-athlete (and current weekend warrior), coach and father to college athletes, I really like winning and believe in its power. So I’m not some participation trophy enabler. ?But the Olympics are about the journey, experience and emotion, plus so much more. It's not all about getting the gold, it's about going for it.

Hey, Nike, you know who only cares about winning at the Olympics? Cheaters like dopers, Russia, China, and the old East Germans. Oh, and American NBA players who never participate in the Olympic village and never understand how the rest of the world is also good at basketball.

You know what would be a powerful campaign? Smiles! Nike should celebrate the joy and smiles Olympians share and spread to the world at the Games. Whether it’s Simone or KD or some random foreigner on the podium, seeing their pure happiness and positive energy warms our hearts. Now THAT’s an emotion I want to experience!