Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer: Court Royalty

Maria Sharapova and Roger Federer: Court Royalty
Wimbledon Defending Champs Sport Golden Touch 


BEAVERTON, Ore., June 20  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Sometimes, for the creme de
la creme of court royalty, only gold will do. Every time Wimbledon defending
champions Roger Federer and Maria Sharapova take the court at this year's
tournament, Nike is honoring their achievements with regal, one-of-a-kind gold
footwear. 

  (Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050620/SFM095-a
           http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050620/SFM095-b
   Logo:   http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990818/NIKELOGO )


In their quest for another Wimbledon title, Federer and Sharapova will play on
the grass courts at the All England Club wearing an exclusive golden version of
the Nike Air Zoom Vapor Speed. The distinctive look comes from a rare gold
material that contains 24-karat gold droplets surrounded by micro- prisms for
strength and ultimate reflectivity.

The same 24-karat gold material was used to make the golden track spikes made
famous by Michael Johnson during his historic run to set the World Record in
the 400 meters at the Sydney Games in 2004. The remaining material had not been
used until now.

The golden material appears on the all-white Nike Air Zoom Vapor Speed
throughout the upper and on the back heel, where Federer and Sharapova's names
are featured. In the spotlight and in the flash of photographer's cameras, the
unique Nike Air Zoom Vapor Speed will deliver a glittering 600 candle-watts of
power.

Nike innovation and the regality of gold -- only fitting for two of the
brightest stars in tennis.

  -- Ten pairs of the golden Nike Air Zoom Vapor Speed shoes were made for
     each player to wear throughout the two weeks of Wimbledon.
  -- The estimated price for each pair of golden shoes is $500.
  -- Considering that the golden material used in Johnson's, Sharapova's and
     Federer's shoes is no longer available, the new golden court shoes are
     truly priceless.



The Air Zoom Vapor Speed, in all-white, is available at retail immediately
(SRP: $100). The court shoe delivers superior court performance. A lightweight
micro-fiber fabric upper and a mesh tongue deliver exceptional stability,
moisture resistance, additional breathability and comfort. Additional details
of the shoe include:

  -- An external heel counter that mirrors the anatomical last for the
     ultimate stability, fit and comfort.
  -- A strategically placed rubber toe-tip offers additional durability.
  -- The Caged Zoom Air unit in the heel and the encapsulated Zoom Air unit
     in the forefoot absorb impact pressure off the feet and proved low-
     profile, responsive cushioning.
  -- Double-lasting in the forefoot helps keep the foot locked in during
     lateral cuts on the court.
  -- Nike's unique Momentum Control System helps to enhance stability.
  -- A traditional herringbone-patterned outsole provides durability and
     optimum traction on a wide range of court surfaces.

  About Nike, Inc.


NIKE, Inc. based in Beaverton, Oregon is the world's leading designer, marketer
and distributor of authentic athletic footwear, apparel, equipment and
accessories for a wide variety of sports and fitness activities. Wholly owned
Nike subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes
athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Bauer NIKE Hockey Inc., a leading
designer and distributor of hockey equipment; Cole Haan (R), which designs,
markets, and distributes fine dress and casual shoes and accessories; Hurley
International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and
youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories and Exeter Brands Group LLC,
which designs and markets athletic footwear and apparel for the value retail
channel. 

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http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050620/SFM095-b

http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/19990818/NIKELOGO

http://photoarchive.ap.org/

DATASOURCE: Nike, Inc.



CONTACT:  Dean Stoyer, Brand Comm. of Nike, Inc., [phone] or





Web site:  http://www.nikebiz.com/ 

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