Gatorade tells the Usain Bolt origin story in the "The Boy Who Learned to Fly" ad. The animated short is part of Gatorade's "For the Love of Sports" campaign and tells Bolt's entrance into racing as a child and the weaknesses he overcame to be the Olympic champion he is today as he heads to his third Olympics in Rio.
The short features Bolt as a child dashing all the way to school to make it before the bell, but forgetting his lunch along the way. He races against an older boy and wins, all to win lunch from the man who would motivate him to take his running seriously. The short jumps to Bolt at the 2002 World Junior Championships where Bolt is seen nervous about disappointing the people of Jamaica if he doesn't win. Bolt is then seen winning various races, and a final voice over asks, "Will Usain Bolt strike yet again?"
The "For the Love of Sports" campaign explores the impact sports can have on a youth's identity through nostalgic stories of professional athletes.
Olympic Origin Stories
Gatorade Tells the Usain Bolt Origin Story in 'The Boy Who Learned To Fly'
Trend Themes
1. Nostalgic Sports Stories - Opportunities to create animated short films that tell the origin stories of famous athletes, invoking nostalgia and inspiring young athletes.
2. Youth Sports Identity - Creating campaigns that highlight the impact sports can have on a young person's sense of self and identity, encouraging youth participation in sports.
3. Overcoming Weaknesses - Developing marketing strategies that focus on the journey of athletes overcoming obstacles and weaknesses to become champions, resonating with audiences who admire perseverance.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Apparel - Sports apparel brands can incorporate nostalgic stories into their marketing campaigns to resonate with consumers and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
2. Film and Animation - Film and animation studios can create short films that tell inspirational sports stories, engaging audiences and potentially partnering with sports brands for distribution.
3. Youth Sports Programs - Youth sports programs can leverage the power of storytelling to inspire and motivate young athletes, fostering a passion for sports and personal development.