Gymnast legend Simone Biles is leaving Nike will strike a new apparel partnership with Athleta.
The signing comes as Athleta signed a partnership in 2019 with sprinting champion Allyson Felix, a former Nike athlete who had criticized Nike for failing to support pregnant athletes. The signing was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. Felix was the chain’s first brand ambassador.
As her exclusive active and athleisure apparel partner, Athleta plans to co-create Biles’ own signature activewear line. She will also serve as a brand ambassador and help with Athleta’s advocacy efforts around empowering girls. With a combined total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, Biles is the most decorated American gymnast and the world’s third most decorated gymnast, behind Belarus’ Vitaly Scherbo (33 medals) and Russia’s Larisa Latynina (32 medals).
“Using my voice has been very empowering for me and I am grateful to embark on this new journey with Athleta to inspire young girls and women to do the same,” said Biles in a statement. “The opportunity to encourage young girls to reach their full potential and be a force for change is incredibly powerful. I admire Athleta for their commitment to recognize and support women’s individual and collective strength and, together, I believe we can help girls to confidently and passionately take on the world in their athletic endeavors and beyond.”
“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.”
Photo courtesy Nike
