Simone Biles’ sponsors made statements of support following her decision on Wednesday Exit Thursday’s individual, overall gymnastics competition at the Tokyo Olympics.
The 24-year-old champion cited mental health concerns ahead of Tuesday’s team competition during an interview with reporters in Tokyo. Biles can still compete in the finals of next week’s individual event.
Athleta’s Chief Brand Officer Kyle Andrew said the sports apparel company stands with Biles and supports his well-being “both inside and outside the competition.” Biles signed an endorsement contract with Athleta earlier this year after ending her contract with Nike.
“Being the best also means knowing how to take care of yourself,” Andrew told CNN Business via email on Wednesday. “We are inspired by his leadership today and follow him every step of the way.”
On Tuesday, Biles said she was going to take the rest of the Olympics “one day at a time” as she looks to add to her run to the four gold medals she won at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Visa, another athlete sponsor, recognizes Biles’ “incredibly brave decision”, said Andrea Fairchild, senior vice president of global sponsorship strategy. The decision “shows how Simone is able to inspire both on and off the mat.”
Biles is one of 102 Olympic Athlete Visa sponsors in conjunction with its Team Visa program. “We wish him well in the days to come,” Fairchild said.
Protein shake brand Core Power tweeted Wednesday morning that Biles is “showing us all that her guts and strength go beyond the mat.”
The company added on Twitter with the goat emoji, “We’re in awe of you today and every day — a reference to the goat, or the greatest ever.
Core Power told CNN Business that it has partnered with Biles for the past six years and has been its brand ambassador since 2016. The company launched a new ad campaign featuring Biles on June 29.
“We have supported her physical recovery with the Core Power Protein Shake, and as a company we clearly support her full and complete health,” the company said via email.
Team USA sponsor United Airlines did not immediately respond Wednesday morning to a request for comment. The company told sports news site Sportico that it is proud to partner with Biles over the years and will continue to support him.
Uber Eats, which featured Biles in its “Tonight I’ll Be Eating” commercials late last year, said Wednesday that it also stands with him.
“She has shown true strength both in and out of the gym, setting an incredible example for athletes around the world,” the company said.
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