But adidas played down the fact the Olympic Cauldron was lit by Li Ning, the Olympic-gymnast-turned-sportswear-tycoon who owns its biggest mainland-owned rival. “Li Ning is a sporting hero and deserved the honour of lighting the torch,” said Jan Runau, adidas Group’s global corporate communications director.
Runau also sought to play down any talk of a snub toward adidas. “We’re the official sportswear partner of the Olympics, not an official sponsor.”
Although adidas’ global rival, Nike, outfitted most of the Chinese Olympic athletes, Li Ning sponsors four of China’s most successful teams - table tennis, diving, gymnastics and shooting. It also sponsors the outfits for the national broadcaster CCTV.
Runau also sought to play down any talk of a snub toward adidas. “We’re the official sportswear partner of the Olympics, not an official sponsor.”
Although adidas’ global rival, Nike, outfitted most of the Chinese Olympic athletes, Li Ning sponsors four of China’s most successful teams - table tennis, diving, gymnastics and shooting. It also sponsors the outfits for the national broadcaster CCTV.
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