Michael vs. Mia, Take Two

Michael Jordan and Mia Hamm reunite on screen to recreate their iconic Gatorade ad from almost a quarter of a century ago.

The commercial kicks off with soccer star Abby Wambach and track and field great Usain Bolt to guzzle Gatorade and engage in a series of challenges ranging from stationary bike riding to speed skating to the tune of “Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)”. Jordan and Hamm enter towards the end of the commercial as they watch the two younger athletes flail about on the screens of their cell phones, as they play a leisurely game of golf. But the craving for competition still runs hot as Hamm sinks the putt, quipping, “Yes, I can.” with a knowing glance at Jordan.

As new names continue to crowd the industry and healthy substitutes become the standard according to Gartner’s ranking, beverage brands need to either evolve their products with the times or lean into something of equal strength. Often times and most recently, this has been the magnetic pull of nostalgia. The ad echoes especially loudly as movements like #MeToo and #HerStory continue to gain relevance recently, but it also takes on nostalgia in a way that transcends food or TV. Nostalgia has become a tactic brands of all backgrounds are turning to, but sometimes run the risk of coming off a bit stale or kitschy if not executed correctly. By bringing together two legends with two legends-to-be, the sports drink brand marks the passing of time in a way that feels fresh, playful, and even youthful thanks to the energetic sights and sounds of the ad. It doesn’t hurt that, like Jordan and Hamm, the original ad “Michael vs. Mia”, aged beautifully.