“They stand for everything I stand for.”
Olympic gold winning Simone Biles has always been an active voice for female empowerment and now, she’s taken her commitment to a whole new level.
Ending her six-year partnership with Nike, one of the world’s most revered athletic companies and instead joining forces with Gap’s Athleta, the star athlete said the latter was more in line with her values.
“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 written 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.” Biles, the most decorated American gymnast in history said in a press release.
The news was announced by Wall Street Journal on Friday.
Athleta already signed on Olympic track and field star Allyson Felix in July 2019.
Teaming up with Athleta which lends support towards empowering the girl child will see new initiatives put in place to encourage millions of girls to rise to untold heights. Biles will contribute by collaborating with Athleta’s design team to help develop signature products for aspiring athletes, including plans for multiple capsule collaborations for Athleta Girl, reports say.
“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.”
“Simone embodies our brand through her advocacy, mentorship, and work in the community,” said Jana Henning, chief product officer of Athleta. “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.”
Athleta is also planning to co-create Biles’ own signature activewear line that will bring a piece of her to girls everywhere. Biles will have her own signature performance line with Athleta. The company said in its release It would work together “with a particular focus toward Athleta Girl.”
“Now that I’m older and kind of in the world a little bit more, I see and I know and I learn and I grow from things, so to partner with Athleta, I think they stand for everything that I stand for,” Biles told the WSJ.
“By women for women.” Athleta, founded in 1998 with its workforce 97 percent female is focused on diversity, inclusion and representation for all.
