Simone Biles, often hailed as the Greatest of All Time (G.O.A.T) in gymnastics, has not only left an indelible mark on the sport with her unparalleled skills but also with her iconic gymnastics outfits. Over the years, Biles has donned some of the most memorable leotards that have become synonymous with her legacy. These outfits, often designed in collaboration with top brands like GK, reflect her personality, strength, and the evolution of her career.
One of the standout aspects of Biles’ career is her exclusive apparel collection with GK. Known for its high-quality gymnastics apparel, GK has been the choice of champions, including other big names like Sam Mikulak, Yul Moldauer, Suni Lee, Jordan Chiles, and Shane Wiskus. Biles’ signature line with GK includes leotards that not only make her feel powerful but are also designed to help other gymnasts feel their best during training.
The collaboration between Biles and GK is a testament to the meticulous process of creating gymnastics leotards. The designers work closely with Biles and other signature athletes to bring their creative ideas to life. Drawing inspiration from Biles’ vision, the design team crafts leotards that embody her style and essence. These leotards range in price from $40-70 for essential styles, while competitive leotards from The Legacy Collection vary based on design and embellishment elements.
Biles’ leotards are not just about aesthetics; they are a reflection of her journey and the evolution of her career. Her career can be divided into two distinct eras: the pre-2017 era and the post-2017 era. In the earlier phase, Biles was known for incorporating excessive difficulty into her routines to build a strong lead, ensuring victory even in the event of a fall. However, in the later phase, her approach evolved. She began creating new skills and upping the difficulty not just to win competitions but to fulfill her legacy. For Biles, winning medals became routine, and she sought to keep things interesting by debuting new and extremely difficult skills.
This evolution in Biles’ approach is evident in her iconic outfits. Each leotard she wears tells a story of her journey, her challenges, and her triumphs. For instance, the leotard she wore while debuting the double piked Yurchenko vault became an instant sensation. The vault itself was a historic move, and the leotard she wore during this performance became a symbol of her relentless pursuit of excellence.
Biles’ leotards have also played a significant role in her public image. Her outfits are not just about gymnastics; they are about making a statement. When she unveiled the double piked Yurchenko vault, the leotard she wore became a part of the narrative. The vault received significant media attention, with highlights achieving millions of views on social media platforms. Major media organizations, including the New York Times and CNN, covered the story, and high-profile figures like Michelle Obama, Dan Rather, Hilary Clinton, and LeBron James tweeted about it.
The impact of Biles’ leotards extends beyond the gymnastics community. They have become a part of popular culture, with even satire publications like The Onion featuring stories about her. The leotards she wears during significant performances become iconic, representing not just her skills but also her influence on the sport and beyond.
One of the most notable aspects of Biles’ leotards is how they have helped bring gymnastics to the forefront of mainstream media coverage. Traditionally, gymnastics gains popularity during the Olympics, sharing the spotlight with other sports. However, Biles’ performances and her iconic outfits have managed to capture national headlines even in non-Olympic settings. This is a testament to her influence and the power of her brand.
Despite the controversies surrounding the undervaluation of her skills by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG), Biles’ leotards have continued to symbolize her strength and resilience. The FIG’s decisions to lower the value of her skills might have cost her a few points, but they have also elevated her status to an entirely new level. The narrative of an athlete being openly discriminated against because she was too good resonated with fans and the broader public, making Biles a cause célèbre.
Biles’ leotards have also played a role in her advocacy and activism. For instance, her public objections to the Karolyi Ranch as a training location led to significant changes within USA Gymnastics (USAG). Her influence extends beyond the sport, and her leotards often become symbols of her broader impact.
In conclusion, Simone Biles’ most iconic gymnastics outfits of all time are more than just pieces of apparel. They are symbols of her journey, her challenges, and her triumphs. Each leotard she wears tells a story of her evolution as an athlete and her impact on the sport and beyond. From her collaboration with GK to her historic performances, Biles’ leotards have become an integral part of her legacy, reflecting her status as the G.O.A.T in gymnastics.
Source: GK, New York Times, CNN, The Onion, Michelle Obama, Dan Rather, Hilary Clinton, LeBron James
