Bill Bowerman was influenced to start Nike by his passion for sports and his belief in the potential of athletic footwear to enhance performance. He was a track and field coach at the University of Oregon and had a background in competitive running, which gave him a unique perspective on the needs of athletes. Bowerman also saw an opportunity in the market for high-quality, innovative athletic shoes that could improve performance and reduce the risk of injury. This vision motivated him to co-found Nike with his former student, Phil Knight, in 1964.
