Image Source: Courtesy of Athleta
Simone Biles is joining Team Athleta! After a six-year partnership with Nike, the decorated gymnast has moved on and sealed a sponsorship deal with Gap’s women-run activewear brand, Athleta. The “long-term collaboration” will, of course, entail the release of multiple capsule collections that Biles herself will have a hand in designing, but it goes far beyond just sports bras and leggings. The five-time Olympic medalist will also be using Athleta’s platform to connect with young women and empower them to reach their fullest potential. We’re more than on board with that mission.
While sharing the news in an Instagram video, seen below, Biles praised Athleta as being committed to diversity and inclusion. “They show women and girls of all ages, sizes, abilities, races, and backgrounds and design their products that way too,” she said. “As I take the next step in my career, it was super important for me to align with a partner who supports me, not just as a gymnast or an athlete, but for the individual that I am and the change that I want to create.” Athleta’s chief product officer, Jana Henning, echoed similar sentiments in a press release, saying, “Our team is looking forward to working collaboratively with her to bring the same elements of confidence, strength, and grace she demonstrates on and off the mat into future collections for girls.”
Biles is expected to compete in the Tokyo Olympics this summer, where she’ll likely be decked out in Athleta activewear and athleisure, per her new deal. She’s anticipated to be there alongside world-champion track and field star Allyson Felix, who became the first athlete to ever sign with Athleta after moving on from her Nike partnership due to the brand’s controversial treatment of pregnant athletes. We’re thrilled that both athletes have teamed up with a brand that makes them feel their best.
