Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time world champion gymnast Simone Biles made waves Friday by breaking away from Nike.
Biles announced (via Instagram) she was beginning a new partnership with Gap's Athleta. She explained her appreciation for how the brand has supported women and girls, also emphasizing the importance of Athleta's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The most decorated American gymnast added she wanted to be with a sponsor who valued her individuality beyond just gymnastics. The full post can be seen below.
View this post on Instagram
This figures to be an enormous win for leisurewear. Athleta tweeted out news of its sponsorship with Biles on Friday morning:
“Welcome to Team Athleta, @Simone_Biles!” the tweet reads. “Today, fueled by our shared commitment to empower the next generation of girls, we're honored to announce our partnership with the most decorated American gymnast.”
Biles is not the only American Olympian to partner with Athleta. Track and field star Allyson Felix is also an Athleta athlete. Felix welcomed Biles to the “fam” following the announcement.
Welcome to the fam @Simone_Biles!!! #PowerOfShe https://t.co/JzuQY2RPw0
— Allyson Felix (@allysonfelix) April 23, 2021
Interestingly, Athleta will now be sponsoring a post-Olympics tour organized by Biles herself. The tour is usually organized by USA Gymnastics, but the GOAT has her own plans in mind.
Whereas this is a big win for Athleta, it's yet another high-profile loss for Nike after the company's contract with Kobe Bryant expired last week.
Biles will be taking part in Tokyo this summer, explaining she also wants to compete as a voice for change in gymnastics, a sport that has been rocked by sexual abuse scandals for years.
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