How I Built This with Guy Raz On athletic shoes: Olivier Bernhard and Caspar Coppetti
35 snips
Jul 22, 2024 
Olivier Bernhard, a Swiss triathlete and Ironman champion, co-founded On to revolutionize athletic shoes, inspired by a prototype using garden hose strips. Alongside Caspar Coppetti, an expert in branding, they faced skepticism from major sneaker brands. Their groundbreaking shoe eventually caught the eye of Roger Federer, transforming On into a $2 billion company. The pair share tales of innovation, resilience against industry giants, and the blend of hard work and luck that propelled their success.
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Early Passion for Running
- Olivier Bernhard, a co-founder of On, developed a passion for running at a young age, participating in his first fun race at the age of five.
- He excelled due to his light build, often surprising spectators with his speed.
Training While Working
- During his national service and apprenticeship, Olivier Bernhard worked for tax offices, but cleverly integrated his training by traveling by bike.
- This unconventional approach surprised colleagues initially, but they eventually recognized his dedication and athletic potential.
Doping Accusation
- Olivier Bernhard faced a career-threatening doping accusation despite maintaining his innocence and commitment to being a role model.
- This challenging experience became Casper Coppetti's first major assignment as Bernhard's press agent.