Dual Personality

Nike Olympic Innovation Launch: Day 1

NEW YORK — For those that were fast asleep when the world of athletic apparel was revolutionized, you are forgiven. At approximately 11pm Manila time, the game was changed…again.

Being in attendance for the 2012 Nike Olympic Innovation Launch left me in awe at the four main innovations that we will be seeing in London during the upcoming Summer Olympics. With breakthroughs in the realm of running and basketball, the competitors will be scratching their heads, asking, “How the hell did they do that?!”

I was tweeting with every development that was unveiled, but now let’s add some more explanation to the technology that goes with the beauty.

Nike Hyper Elite Uniform

The innovation begins with Nike Aerographics, an engineered fabric that is a passive cooling solution allowing greater design and graphic flexibility while creating mesh areas in a garment without adding seams. It adds graphic interest to a garment that actually contributes to the performance by increasing air circulation. The Nike Hyper Elite Shorts to be worn by the USA Basketball team alone weigh in at 14 ounces lighter than the average shorts currently worn by professional players. Further, since unveiling Nike Aerographics in 2008, the NIKE design team has harnessed the technology’s bold design applications and endless graphic possibilities.

Taking these advancements into account, the NIKE Hyper Elite Jersey, our lightest jersey ever, features a breathable and durable design with striking Nike Aerographics. Its 3D-structured Dri-FIT fabric helps pull sweat away from the skin and reduce cling while a functional flock screenprint on the inside of the collar provides further sweat management. The sleeveless v-neck silhouette, including hem vents and modified armholes, offers mobility while the slim fit reduces bulkiness and distraction. (via NikeINC.com)

My tweets on the Nike Hyper Elite Uniforms

Nike Hyper Elite Uniform for the basketball teams at the Olympics. My goodness! http://pic.twitter.com/ufce2JeL

Deron Williams and Tamika Catchings in the new Team USA jersey for the Olympics! http://pic.twitter.com/94vFTwIA

Close up of the new Nike Hyper Elite Uniform. Imagine a DLSU or an AdMU across the chest! Wow. http://pic.twitter.com/tfq1IEyK

This is the new Brazil football jersey. Looks the same but it is made up of 96% reused material and lighter. http://pic.twitter.com/XLeFL6uQ

Nike Hyperdunk 2012

The upper of the Nike Hyperdunk features the most advanced version of NIKE Flywire, which uses high-strength cables for support and stability. These responsive cables are loose when at rest and dynamic in motion, tensing to help stabilize the foot. A synthetic heel clip enhances lockdown, as the engineered foam and mesh of the upper reduces weight while further increasing breathability, strength and durability. Simultaneously, the collar of the shoe wraps lower in the back and higher over the front, increasing flexibility and lateral stability in the heel and ankle. The open mesh tongue and full inner sleeve provide lightweight ventilation and a more secure, comfortable fit.

Midsole, basketball-specific Lunarlon foam cushioning supplies a soft, yet responsive foundation. Improving upon past models, there is additional foam in key areas, enhancing lateral stability and durability. A 3-D shaped, glass-reinforced, composite mid-foot shank offers torsional rigidity and responsiveness. Moving to the outsole, solid rubber provides durability and traction on a variety of surfaces while a modified traction pattern and forefoot pivot circle enhance multi-direction grip. Moreover, a high-wrapping lateral outrigger provides reinforcement for hard cuts, providing players with the support they need for high performance. (via NikeINC.com)

My tweets on the Nike Hyperdunk 2012

Close up of the new Nike Hyperdunk. http://pic.twitter.com/x75IyMnI

Close up of the Team USA Hyperdunks. http://pic.twitter.com/AFo9CtQj

So before we move on to the innovations in the world of running and track and field, Nike also decided to pay tribute to the 20th anniversary of the Dream Team. There will be 2 letterman jackets that will be released in honor of “the best team ever assembled.”

My tweets on the Dream Team Sportswear tribute line

This will be a tribute jacket to the Dream Team! http://pic.twitter.com/yQ5KJi8y

Close up of the Dream Team letterman jacket. Almost decided to throw away my career and steal it. http://pic.twitter.com/U69QGKZg

Nike Flyknit

Nike has engineered knit for performance to create running footwear that features only the essentials. Employing a new technology called Nike Flyknit, yarns and fabric variations are precisely engineered only where they are needed for a featherweight, formfitting and virtually seamless upper.

With all the structure and support knitted in, the Nike Flyknit Racer’s upper and tongue weigh just 34 grams (1.2 ounces). The whole shoe weighs a mere 160g (5.6 ounces) for a size 9, which is 19% lighter than the Nike Zoom Streak 3, a shoe worn by first, second and third place athletes in the men’s marathon at the 2011 World Championships.

While reducing shoe weight is one aspect of helping runners, the Nike Flyknit upper is also engineered for a precision fit, creating a feeling of a second skin.

An additional environmentally sustainable benefit to Nike Flyknit is that it reduces waste because the one-piece upper does not use the multiple materials and material cuts used in traditional sports footwear manufacture. Nike Flyknit is truly a minimalist design with maximum return. (via NikeINC.com)

My tweets on the Nike Flyknit Technology

The new Nike Flyknit Running technology. Absolutely beautiful. http://pic.twitter.com/0l0xg8MV

Nike Pro TurboSpeed Suit

It’s about speed. For the past 12 years NIKE has been continually evolving Project Swift, with its central goal of maximizing athlete velocity.  Incorporating over 1,000 hours of wind tunnel testing and insights from some of the fastest athletes in the world, NIKE has applied this research to a range of sports, with Track & Field always at its core.

What was once a singular suit has now evolved into a set of core principles applied to all speed-related uniforms in the athlete’s Track & Field kit, giving every athlete an arsenal of options. Nike Pro TurboSpeed is the fastest collection of uniforms we’ve ever built, and exemplifies our commitment to the successful execution of the Project Swift’s core principles. (via NikeINC.com)

My tweets about the Nike Pro TurboSpeed Suit

Nike Pro Turbosuit is the lightest running suit ever! http://pic.twitter.com/GqvHWol7

USA Running team in the Nike Pro Turbosuit. http://pic.twitter.com/0vT2Pz8Q

Day 2 continues in about a couple hours! Will be tweeting again as it goes along!