Sports
In 2021, just months before the much-anticipated Tokyo Olympics, Simone Biles made a decision that stunned the sports world.
After a six-year partnership, she ended her contract with Nike – a move no one saw coming, especially at a time when her earnings were soaring to around $1.6 million a month.
Goosebumps alert! Simone Biles pulls off a drastic change
The split was quickly confirmed when Nike stated: “Our contract with Simone Biles has ended, and we wish her the very best.”
At first glance, it seemed baffling. Nike, a brand deeply entrenched in elite athletics – and even the official equipment supplier for Jonathan Owens‘ Chicago Bears – had a long history of working with top-tier athletes.
Now, four years later, the real reasons behind Biles’ bold move are finally clear.
Biles sought more than fame and fortune
Around the same time Biles chose to part ways with Nike, other high-profile athletes were also making exits. Allyson Felix, one of America’s most celebrated track and field stars, left the brand in 2019, citing struggles after her pregnancy. Even Kobe Bryant‘s estate cut ties. Yet, Biles‘ departure had a different motive – it wasn’t about money or mistreatment.
According to Fernando Cao, Thoughtleader co-founder, who outlined the full story on X on April 28, Biles wanted more than just a sponsorship – she wanted a partnership. She sought creative input, personal support, and alignment with her values, not just a major paycheck or fame.
When Biles joined Athleta, she said, “I think they stand for everything that I stand for.” And it wasn’t just lip service. Unlike typical athlete sponsorships where the brand dictates the designs, Athleta flipped the script.
Athleta didn’t just stop at co-creating apparel. They supported her broader ambitions, sponsoring her Gold Over America Tour and helping her bring her vision to life – a vision that extended beyond gymnastics medals to mental health advocacy and personal empowerment.
Biles‘ new product designs included affirmations like “Because I can,” a mantra she often repeated to herself when learning new, daring routines.
This news was originally published on this post .
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