The swoosh is a corporate logo for
Nike. It was bought by Phil Knight (CEO) in 1971 from graphic design student Carolyn Davidson for 35 dollars. The
student offered him a number of options representing motion and Knight did not like any of them but he was under a deadline and had to choose something.
"I don't love it, but it will grow on me."* He said at the time. Now it is one of the most recognizable logos in the world. It has been 'jammed' so many times that it not only represents sporting achievement but it also conjured up images of sweatshops and corporate greed.
* Quote from www.nike.com