Simone Biles Inks New Partnership With Athleta

Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles is trading in her Nikes for a new partnership with Gap’s Athleta. Biles, who is the most decorated American gymnast ever, said her new deal more closely aligns with her ideals. Athleta will not only enable her to create an exclusive apparel collection, but also support initiatives focused on inspiring young women and girls, including her post-Olympic exhibition tour.

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“The opportunity to encourage young girls to reach their full potential and be a force for change is incredibly powerful,” said Biles in an Instagram post announcing the partnership. “Athleta is a brand I have admired for how they support and recognize the strength of women and girls,” said Biles in a post announcing the partnership. “They have a team that is primarily women and that’s how they design their products for women and girls. They’re committed to diversity and inclusion, which was really important for me to see in a partner. They show women of all ages, sizes, abilities, races and backgrounds and design their products that way, too.”

Biles is perhaps the world’s most recognizable Olympian, with five Olympic medals (four of them gold) and making history as first woman to ever capture five all-around gymnastic world championship titles.

“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,” added Biles.

“We are excited to welcome Simone to the Athleta family and work together to further our mission of empowering women and girls,” said Mary Beth Laughton, president and chief executive officer of Athleta. “Simone believes in championing the next generation of female athletes as much as we do, and we are confident this partnership will continue to build community with our customers and enrich our brand.”