251990 –
Playtex purchases
Jogbra, the original
sports bra. The move
not only signified
women’s increasing
participation in sports
and fi tness—it showed
that corporate America
increasingly viewed
women as runners.1991 –
Reebok releases its Pump technology in a
running shoe. It had an air chamber inside,
that, when pumped up higher up on the
outside of the shoe, was said to provide a cus-
tomized fi t. Reebok’s Pump might represent
the height of the golden age of gimmickry in
shoes, when every company seemed forced to
invent its own signature doodad that claimed
to improve performance. Reebok’s Pump was
probably the most novel of them all.1994 –
Oprah fi nishes her fi rst marathon at the Marine Corps
Marathon in 4:29:15. For decades—and especially in
1994—when Oprah spoke, the nation listened. When Oprah
recommended something, people purchased it. And when
Oprah ran, many other people took up running too.GU energy gel was fi rst released. The packet of gel was a portable
size perfect for pockets, easy on the stomach and fast-acting. Beyond
sports drinks, it led to a boom in sports fueling of all shapes and
sizes, and has driven nutritional and exercise science.1996 –
Michael Johnson wins two gold
medals at Atlanta Olympics in Nike’s
gold spikes. Johnson’s unprecedented
takeaway from the Olympics was made
more memorable by his can’t-miss
spikes. Nowadays, shoe brands put
eye-catching shoes on their best ath-
REEBOK: SCOTT DRAPER, NIKE: WIKIMEDIA COMMONSletes for every big event.Next Decade
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