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Nike's Innovation and Design Leaders Showcase the Art of Victory at the OlympicsDuring the recent Olympics, Nike's top executives, Chief Innovation Officer John Hoke and Chief Design Officer Martin Lotti, opened up about the brand's innovative spirit and the inspiration behind its iconic Air technology. At the Centre Pompidou in Paris, they guided a group of content creators and influencers through the brand's "Art of Victory" exhibit, highlighting the connection between art and athletic performance.Hoke emphasized the importance of collaboration with top athletes, explaining that Nike designs shoes in conjunction with them to meet their specific needs and goals. These features eventually trickle down to shoes available to the public. Lotti, a Swiss native who has worked with Nike in Oregon for 27 years, considers himself a global citizen and believes that the brand's work extends beyond shoes to include all aspects of athletic apparel.The "Art of Victory" exhibit showcased 13 future designs, but Lotti revealed that Nike works with approximately 13,000 athletes, whose input is invaluable. The brand's focus on innovation extends beyond footwear, encompassing everything an athlete wears to enhance performance.

Before the commencement of every Olympic Games, the host city faces criticism from the English-speaking world. Athens was deemed unprepared, Beijing's air quality was questioned, Rio was plagued by Zika and crime, and Tokyo's Covid bubble raised concerns. However, the pre-Games issues for Paris 2024 appear to be more about sustainability and innovation than infrastructure or safety.Paris 2024 aims to be the greenest, most sustainable, and most gender-equal Olympics ever. It seeks to challenge the traditional model of gigantism and extravagance by focusing on local entrepreneurship and social impact. The Athletes Village will not have air conditioning, relying instead on geothermal cooling, which has drawn criticism from some countries.Despite the pushback, Paris 2024 has remained committed to its sustainability goals. It has launched the ESS2024 Solidarity Platform, which distributes contracts to local businesses committed to sustainability and urban renewal. Over 460 local businesses have been signed up for construction, catering, and other services.The Games will also feature innovative initiatives, such as chairs made from recycled plastic waste and a permanent Olympic Acquatic Centre that will become a public swimming facility after the Games. Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has advised Paris 2024 on its social mission, emphasizing the power of sport to address global crises such as climate change, inequality, and unemployment.Paris 2024's commitment to sustainability and innovation has drawn praise from some quarters, who believe it could set a new benchmark for future Games. However, it has also faced criticism from those who prioritize athlete comfort and performance over environmental concerns.

Tony Estanguet, the former Olympic canoeing champion, has been at the helm of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee since 2017. His mission: to deliver a spectacular event that showcases the best of France and sets new standards for innovation.Estanguet's journey began a decade ago when Paris was awarded the Games. Since then, the Organizing Committee has worked tirelessly to prepare for the event, which will open on July 26, 2024.One of the key innovations of Paris 2024 is the opening ceremony, which will take place not in a stadium but on the Seine River. The ceremony will feature a parade of athletes on 90 boats, showcasing the city's iconic landmarks."The opening ceremony has to demonstrate that it won't be Games as usual," Estanguet said. "We want to showcase the best of France, and we believe that the best platform to welcome the athletes of the world is not inside the stadium, but in the city."Other innovations include the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the fan experience and the creation of a "Games in the City" concept, which will bring sporting events to the heart of Paris.Estanguet is confident that Paris 2024 will be a memorable event. "We have demonstrated that we controlled the time and controlled the budget," he said. "France is ready for Paris 2024."

Venus Williams Honors Scientific Achievement at Breakthrough Prize CeremonyBefore gracing the red carpet for the Los Angeles premiere of "Challengers," a tennis-themed movie, Venus Williams took to the stage to celebrate scientific excellence. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion joined an illustrious group of celebrities, including Bradley Cooper, Robert Downey Jr., Kim Kardashian, and Alicia Keys, as presenters at the 10th annual Breakthrough Prize ceremony. This prestigious event recognizes the groundbreaking research achievements of the world's leading scientists in life sciences, physics, and mathematics.Williams described the opportunity to present as "the experience of a lifetime." She expressed her awe and inspiration at the ingenuity and unwavering spirit of the award winners. "I was truly in awe of the Breakthrough Prize, and so inspired by the ingenuity and unrelenting human spirit of these award winners," she wrote on Instagram.Joining Williams on the red carpet was another former world No. 1, Maria Sharapova, along with other celebrities such as Vin Diesel, Orlando Bloom, Katy Perry, and Olympic skier Eileen Gu. A total of $15 million in prizes was awarded to high-achieving scientists, with 17-year-old Sia Godika from India receiving the junior prize for her research in cellular reprogramming. She was awarded a $250,000 scholarship and a $100,000 science lab for her school.Dubbed the "Oscars of Science" by Variety, the ceremony was held at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles and will air on YouTube on Saturday, April 21. The event featured musical performances from Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine, David Foster, and Charlie Puth, while actor James Corden hosted the show.