When he applied to undertake an internship at adidas’ headquarters in Germany to work on their vast archives, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) student Sam Martin could never have anticipated some of the global superstars he would cross paths with.
ACE: Sam with former women's world no.1 tennis player Ana Ivanovic
Distance-learning student Sam, who is doing a master’s in Sports History and Culture, applied for an internship with adidas in Herzogenaurach just outside Nuremberg, company founder Adi Dassler’s hometown, to help maintain their huge archive at their ‘World of Sports’ site.
If it wasn’t enough for him to have access to their collections of footwear, apparel, balls, photos and bags that are steeped in rich sporting heritage, Sam had the chance to meet some genuine superstars from the world of sport.
Amongst the household names that he met include German international footballers and World Cup winners Thomas Muller and Christoph Kramer, Olympic gold medallists Jessica Ennis-Hill and Yohan Blake, former Women’s tennis world no.1 Ana Ivanovic and Kenyan marathon runner Dennis Kimetto.
GOING FOR GOLD: Sam with Yohan Blake, gold medallist at London 2012 Olympics
The visits of world-famous sports stars were an added bonus for Sam, who was happy enough just to be there.
He said: “adidas were obviously keen to connect the athletes with the workforce and create a spirit of togetherness.”
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However, Sam wasn’t in Germany to admire the athletes, he was there to a job to support his studies.
He said: “I was working in the History Management Team. The main roles were maintaining the adidas archive, curating the ‘Walk of Fame’ exhibition on site, which is a mini museum showcasing the best of adidas’ athletes and innovation and dealing with queries about adidas history from journalists, collectors and others.”
Sam’s professional interests go further than his course of choice would suggest as he currently works in London, doing his master’s work from home in his spare time.
He added: “I am currently a solicitor in the West End of London and have already spent a lot of time and hard work getting to where I am.
“That said, sports, history, and ultimately stories are my passion and I initially started the MA just for personal development and interest. I am going to continue exploring this interest in my spare time and keep a look out for professional opportunities.
“I had an absolutely great time at adidas, learned a lot and met some great people and would recommend anybody who has the same opportunity to jump at it.”
Posted on Wednesday 17 June 2015