First Nike lost Kobe, now this. Simone Biles is ending her six-year partnership with Nike and joining Gap’s Athleta, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Biles, who signed with Nike in 2015, focused on the positives of Athleta rather than take any shots at Nike.
“I felt like it wasn’t just about my achievements, it’s what I stood for and how they were going to help me use my voice and also be a voice for females and kids,” she said, via WSJ. “I feel like they also support me, not just as an athlete, but just as an individual outside of the gym and the change that I want to create, which is so refreshing.”
Simone Biles is leaving Nike for Athleta, a smaller activewear brand focused on women.
“I feel like they also support me, not just as an athlete, but just as an individual outside of the gym.”
News from @louiseradnofsky https://t.co/JNvnzCByB9
— Rachel Bachman (@Bachscore) April 23, 2021
Athleta announced the news in a release ahead of a larger announcement later in the day.
Welcome to Team Athleta, @Simone_Biles! 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.
Let's do this. 👊 #PowerOfShe pic.twitter.com/lMATkDo3er
— Athleta (@Athleta) April 23, 2021
Biles is the most decorated American gymnast in history, and she said Athleta more closely aligns with her values.
Ouch.
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