Category Archives: History

Portrait of a distance runner: Haile Gebrselassie

Jeremy BoothApril 5, 2013 4:10 pmHistory

We’re now a few months into the adidas ‘Year of Running’. This story looks at distance running and who better to help us along than one of the greatest distance runners of all time: Haile Gebrselassie.

Gebrselassie’s remarkable career is inspiring to say the least. He reminds us that running can be a lifestyle or part of one’s culture, as well as a sport. He also reminds us of humble beginnings. Let’s look at some of the milestones of Gebrselassie’s career and some of the special Gebrselassie objects we have in the adidas collection.

From the attic to the online world: the new adidas archive

Martin GebhardtFebruary 22, 2013 1:35 pmBusiness Operations, History

Adi Dassler left us a legacy. Thousands of objects collected through the years. Previously hidden from the outside world, they are now gathered together in one place, waiting to be discovered.

The external interest and requests adidas History Management received, prompted the department to establish a tool collecting and visualising adidas’ heritage for everyone. Due to the collaboration with adidas heros like Stan Smith, Zinedine Zidane or Jeremy Scott, the adidas archive presents not only the products themselves, but the people and their experiences behind them. In addition, stories such as the Olympics, Innovation at adidas or the Superstar will give you profound insights into the world of adidas.

The adidas Game Changers – Moments that turned us into what we are

Ina HeumannFebruary 8, 2013 3:00 pmHistory

It’s that moment in the last minute of the game when you realize the vital through ball will succeed and you will score – no matter what. It’s the moment when you resolutely turn in a completely new and surprising direction. It’s the moment when you hold your breath because of all the excitement. These are the few but powerful situations which have the potential to fundamentally change the game. adidas has in its history experienced a couple of these special moments, too. Most often they have been triggered by the innovative spirit Adi Dassler anchored in the DNA of our brand and which Bernd Wahler, Head of Innovation at adidas, also described in his recently published interview.

In the last years I have investigated quite extensively adidas’ history for the history book ‘The story as told by those who have lived and are living it’. Based on this knowledge, let me share what I feel some of the most important and game-changing moments in our history were.

(null)

Andy Murray at the Australian Open

Martin GebhardtJanuary 24, 2013 2:53 pmHistory

Andy Murray had a great year in 2012 – winning his first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open as well as the Olympic Gold medal at the Games in London. Tomorrow, Andy will play against Roger Federer in the men’s semifinals of the Australian Open in Melbourne. This story introduces you to the adidas shirt Andy is wearing in 2013 and looks back at some older models and styles from the adidas archive catalogue collection (1983, 1993 and 2003).

A year to remember – Reviewing the year 2012

Jan RunauDecember 21, 2012 1:04 pmHistory

In reviewing the year, 2012 was clearly marked by the two major sporting events of the summer, the Olympic Games in London and the UEFA EURO™ in Poland and Ukraine. adidas was front and centre at both events. But there was so much more to report on: the memorable ‘all in’ adidas Champions League final between Chelsea FC and FC Bayern in Munich, the first NEO stores in Germany, record sales, Selena Gomez… This blog post brings back some of the highlights of the last 12 months.

You have followed us closely on the adidas Group blog throughout the year. I would like to thank you for your interest in our Group and hope you enjoyed reading and watching our posts. Please stay tuned! We will be back with more insights into our work as of January 7th, 2013. Until then, the blog team and I wish you Happy Holidays!