REUTERS/Jim Urquhart
Kobe Bryant, who died on Sunday, was especially popular in China.
- Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash on Sunday.
- The basketball superstar was especially popular in China because he made time for fans.
- When 19,000 people showed up at Bryant's morning workout in Beijing in 2015, he greeted them and gave away his shirt and shoes.
- "He made it a point to make it personal and special for them," a Nike executive said.
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Kobe Bryant, the 41-year-old basketball legend who died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, was especially popular in China. His generosity and willingness to make time for fans was a key part of his appeal, a Nike executive said at the sportswear titan's investor day in 2015.
"One story still stands out for me," Jayme Martin, a Nike vice president, told the crowd. "Kobe was doing a morning workout in Beijing. Word got out and 19,000 people showed up outside just to catch a glimpse."
"So he came out to say hi, greeted everyone, then took off his shoes, signed them, gave them away," he continued. "He then took off his shirt, signed it, and gave it away."
"He knew these kids had come from all over the country to see him in person and he knew what a rare and special moment this was, so he made it a point to make it personal and special for them," Martin added. "It is why he is one of the most loved athletes in all of China."
Nike bosses have frequently praised Bryant, who was one of their top brand ambassadors with a line of shoes named after him.
"Kobe continues to be one of the most popular athletes in all of China," Nike CEO Mark Parker said at the company's investor day in 2017. "It's like ... going back to the Beatles when they were on tour, the fan base is incredible."
"He is one of the most amazing athletes I've had the privilege to work with," Parker added.
