Simone Biles qualified for the U.S. gymnastics team at the upcoming Summer Games in Tokyo by winning a spot during the Olympic Gymnastics Trials in St. Louis on Sunday.
The 24-year-old superstar’s floor routine garnered a standing ovation from the crowd.
After the routine, the gymnast posed in Athletic Propulsion Labs Women’s TechLoom Bliss sneakers, which are the footwear brand’s lightest shoe weighing at just 6.8 oz. The $200 slip-on design comes with a custom milled satin elastic strap that consists of the company’s Propelium technology, which maximizes comfort and extends the shoe’s life for the long haul.
Last week, APL teamed up with another Olympic gold medalist, Nastia Liukin, for the release of a limited-edition capsule collection. The timely line features both TechLoom Bliss and TechLoom Breeze styles inspired by the gymnast’s impressive career as the 2008 Beijing Olympics All-Around champion and a five-time Olympic medalist. Expect more patriotic styles to drop on Aug. 3 and Aug. 10.
Biles, however, is also collaborating with a major brand. Last April, Athleta, the Gap Inc.-owned company, announced a long-term partnership where she’ll debut her own performance-wear line as the brand’s active and athleisure apparel partner. This will include a collaboration with Athleta’s design team to develop signature products for the label including capsule collaborations for its Athleta Girl offshoot.
Watch on FN
“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,” Biles said in a statement. “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.”
Previously, the champion was signed to Nike since 2015, but is no longer working with the sportswear giant.
Shop Biles’ white APL TechLoom Bliss kicks below:
To Buy: Athletic Propulsion Labs’ Women’s TechLoom Bliss Sneakers, $200
