Swag’s Story
Swag Hartel’s story is unlike most. He grew up in England in children’s homes and boarding schools where his love for athletics began. He spent his childhood playing sports such as soccer and rugby but a shoulder injury kept him from pursuing those sports further. Because of his injury he found running and that is what brought him to America. Swag was recruited to run track and cross country at Western Kentucky University.
Some of Swag’s running accomplishments are comprised of being the fastest 17-year-old half-miler in the world for that year (1:50.8). Placing 2nd in the 1970 British Championships 1500m (3:40.5). He ran 64 10ks under 30 minutes and a half-marathon in 1:04. He has raced and competed in some of the most prestigious races with the best competition in the world.
Many people ask, “why the name Swag”? This name stuck while he was a disc jockey for the local radio station during his time at WKU.
Swag moved to Louisville, Kentucky in 1977 where he and fellow Brit Nick Rose trained professionally. His business began in 1980 in a little house on New Cut Rd. He first developed an interest in shoes while working at Athletic Attic in the Jefferson Mall. In 1985, Swag moved his business to where the original location is today and named it Swag’s Sport Shoes.
Swags Sport Shoes has become a vital part of the community. His love of running and desire to help others is what separates his stores from most. Swag is a great example of the principle, if you work hard anything is possible.