This was built up as the chance to see Des Linden prior to Atlanta 2020. The Brooks event was well choreographed, and you will see my part in the final minute. (we will post it separately).
The Brooks Club was set up in the Southpoint Club, where drip cofffee is a work of art, and where designers can work to their hearts content and drink coffee for $80 a month. Brooks set up the space well, showing off new product and retro.
Des Linden, Nikhail Jain and Mario Fraoli were in the media booth.
Feb 27, 2020, the Brooks Hyperion Presser, photo by Larry Eder
Des Linden is one of the most important marathoners of this century. She developed over many years and her development from high school track and cross country to college track and cross country. Her relationship with the Boston marathon, her seven runs there, and 2 times as an Olympian make her a crowd favorite and a perfect brand Ambassador for Brooks shoes. Des Linden looks like she has a fine chance to make her third Olympic team.
Nikhail Jain is one of my favorite shoe people. An aside, ten years ago, at Boston, I was with my footwear editor Cregg Weinmann. We found an unbusy corner in the Hynes convention center and one, by one, Nikhail explained each shoe to me in his then brand’s collection. I have never seen a presentation like that since. Jain is one of the brightest shoe people in the business. His involvement in the Hyperion series makes total sense.
Mario Fraoli is content developer, coach, podcaster (themorningshakeout.com), blogger and a fine marathoner. He hosted the event with aplomb, juggling the need to keep Brooks happy, showcase Des, and also expose the fascinating story of how shoes get developed.
Agent Josh Cox was there to help Des Linden juggle her busy media day.
How will Des do on Saturday? I see Des Linden, keeping her stuff together and battling for a spot on the Olympic team, and making it. She knows how to weather these waters. She is a champion. Do not be surprised if she takes second once again, or, takes the whole shebang. Des Linden has guts.
