Simone stays golden to sponsors
Simone Biles’ sponsors have vaulted to her side in a show of support following her decision to bow out of the Olympics gymnastics competition and focus on her mental health.
The four-time gold medalist signed with Gap’s Athleta brand in April for an apparel partnership. On Wednesday, Athleta Chief Brand Officer Kyle Andrew told CNN Business that the company stood by her and supported her well-being “both in and out of competition.”
“Being the best also means knowing how to take care of yourself. We are inspired by her leadership today and are behind her every step of the way,” he said.
Visa, another Biles sponsor, recognized her “incredibly brave decision,” said Andrea Fairchild, the company’s senior VP of global sponsorship strategy.
The superstar gymnast is one of the 102 Olympians Visa sponsors through its Team Visa program.
Uber Eats — which featured her in its “Tonight
I’ll be eating” commercials last year — said Biles was “setting an incredible example for athletes around the world.”
Biles, 24, bowed out of team competition Tuesday, saying she was overwhelmed by the emotional toll of being the most prominent Olympic athlete. She also pulled out of Thursday’s all-around competition but has not yet indicated whether she will compete in individual events next week.