Sandy Bodecker was a visionary leader, a creative force, and a rebellious spirit who left an indelible mark on Nike and the world of sports. He was the man behind some of the most innovative and influential projects at Nike, such as Nike SB, Breaking2, and the World Cup. He was also a passionate skater, runner, and soccer fan who lived by the motto “Respect the past, embrace the future”. He died of natural causes on October 2, 2018, at the age of 66, on the island of Abaco in the Bahamas, according to Legacy.com.
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A Nike OG Since 1979
Sandy Bodecker joined Nike in 1979 as a footwear tester, and worked his way up to become the brand’s first head of global design. He was involved in various sports categories, such as running, soccer, and action sports, and helped shape the culture and identity of Nike. He was known for his bold vision, his defiant attitude, and his ability to achieve the impossible.
The Birth of Nike SB
One of his most lasting legacies was giving skaters a voice at Nike and creating Nike SB, the skateboarding division of Nike, in 2002. He saw the potential of skateboarding as a culture and a sport, and wanted to make shoes that were designed for skaters, by skaters. He also spearheaded some of the most iconic and sought-after collaborations with artists, musicians, and brands, such as the Nike SB Dunk, the Nike SB Blazer, and the Nike SB Stefan Janoski. He helped build a team of riders that represented the diversity and creativity of skateboarding, such as Paul Rodriguez, Eric Koston, and Leticia Bufoni. He also supported skateboarding communities and events around the world, such as Go Skateboarding Day, the Nike SB Shelter in Berlin, and the BaySixty6 in London.
The Quest for Breaking2
Another one of his visionary projects was Breaking2, the attempt to break the two-hour barrier in the marathon, which he considered to be the last big, once-in-a-generation barrier in sports. He was obsessed with the idea of pushing the limits of human potential, and had 1:59:59 tattooed on his wrist. He assembled a team of experts, scientists, and athletes, and created a special shoe, the Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite, to make the impossible possible. He chose Eliud Kipchoge, Zersenay Tadese, and Lelisa Desisa as the runners, and the Monza Formula One racetrack in Italy as the venue. On May 6, 2017, Kipchoge came the closest to breaking the barrier, running 26.2 miles in 2:00:25, a feat that Bodecker called “the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen in my life”.
The Legacy of Sandy Bodecker
Sandy Bodecker passed away in 2018, but his legacy lives on through his work, his passion, and his foundation. The Bodecker Foundation is a non-profit organization that empowers creative youth to imagine and achieve their artistic, educational, and professional dreams. It provides scholarships, mentorships, and opportunities for young artists, musicians, and athletes, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized communities. The foundation also supports causes that were close to Bodecker’s heart, such as cancer research, environmental conservation, and animal welfare.
Sandy Bodecker was a legend, a pioneer, and a friend to many. He inspired generations of skaters, runners, and soccer fans with his vision, his courage, and his spirit. He was the man who put the SB in Nike SB, and he will always be remembered and respected. Rest in peace, Sandy.
