Current:Home > Contact-usSimone Biles using new clothing line to get empowering message across to girls-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Simone Biles using new clothing line to get empowering message across to girls
View Date:2024-12-23 19:16:52
Young girls are getting a pep talk from Simone Biles as they head back to school.
Her latest Athleta GIRL collection, geared toward girls ages 6 to 12, features the tagline, "Because I can." That was Biles’ response when she was asked two years ago why she was continuing to do difficult tricks even when international gymnastics officials refused to give them their full credit.
"It’s that little Simone on their shoulder, or that little reminder to have confidence, keep going and never give up," Biles told USA TODAY Sports on Tuesday. "It helps them just put that first step forward and then keep pushing throughout the entire school year."
When Biles signed with Athleta in 2021, part of the four-time Olympic champion’s reasoning was that she wanted more say in the products that had her name attached to them. The messaging behind them, in particular.
Biles freely acknowledges it took her a while to find her voice, or at least to feel comfortable using it. She was called arrogant for saying she was the best, though no one bats an eye when LeBron James or Tom Brady says it. Even with all her titles and medals, there are still days she doubts herself.
She wants it to be different for the next generation of girls. By speaking out and owning her many accomplishments, Biles hopes to inspire little girls and young women to be confident and bold.
More:Simone Biles' mind is as important as her body in comeback
The new Athleta collection, released this week, is meant to drive that message home. It currently features shorts, tights, flares, crop T-shirts and tank bras, and the bras and Ts have "Because I can" emblazoned across the front.
"It’s just a little reminder they can do anything they put their minds to," Biles said.
That message applies to women of all ages, but it’s especially important for young girls.
While it’s long been recognized by parents, teachers and coaches that girls lose confidence as teenagers, a 2018 survey showed just how devastating those years can be. Confidence levels plummeted 30% between the ages of 8 and 14, the survey of almost 1,400 girls ages 8 to 18 found. Three in four teenage girls worried about failing, and almost 8 in 10 said they wanted to feel more confident in themselves.
This has an impact socially and academically, where girls begin shying away from STEM classes in high school. It also shows up in sports, where the Women’s Sports Foundation found girls are dropping out of sports at twice the level boys are by age 14.
"I think it is important, especially at this age, when they’re growing and going through puberty, to stay in tune with who you are and still have that confidence," Biles said.
"If I can do that with these clothing items, have those little hidden messages or just be straight across the chest − anything that I can help these kids with that, that’s what we’re going to do," she said.
A slogan on a T-shirt might not reverse that drop in girls’ confidence. But it certainly can’t hurt.
Follow USA TODAY Sports columnist Nancy Armour on social media @nrarmour.
veryGood! (46983)
Related
- 'Unfortunate error': 'Wicked' dolls with porn site on packaging pulled from Target, Amazon
- Cam McCormick, in his ninth college football season, scores TD in Miami's opener
- Sudden death of ‘Johnny Hockey’ means more hard times for beleaguered Columbus Blue Jackets
- Mississippi bus crash kills 7 people and injures 37
- Singles' Day vs. Black Friday: Which Has the Best Deals for Smart Shoppers?
- Scottie Scheffler caps off record season with FedEx Cup title and $25 million bonus
- Rapper Fatman Scoop dies at 53 after collapsing on stage in Connecticut
- 1 teen killed, 4 others wounded in shooting near Ohio high school campus after game
- College football top five gets overhaul as Georgia, Miami both tumble in US LBM Coaches Poll
- Sudden death of ‘Johnny Hockey’ means more hard times for beleaguered Columbus Blue Jackets
Ranking
- Fire crews on both US coasts battle wildfires, 1 dead; Veterans Day ceremony postponed
- NHL star's death shocks the US. He's one of hundreds of bicyclists killed by vehicles every year.
- Clemson smacked by Georgia, showing Dabo Swinney's glory days are over
- Mexico offers escorted rides north from southern Mexico for migrants with US asylum appointments
- Biden funded new factories and infrastructure projects, but Trump might get to cut the ribbons
- Watch this smart pup find her owner’s mom’s grave with ease despite never meeting her
- San Francisco 49ers rookie Ricky Pearsall released from hospital after shooting
- Federal investigators start probe of bus crash in Mississippi that killed 7, injured dozens more
Recommendation
-
Kirk Herbstreit berates LSU fans throwing trash vs Alabama: 'Enough is enough, clowns'
-
Defending champion Coco Gauff loses in the U.S. Open’s fourth round to Emma Navarro
-
California lawmakers seek more time to consider energy proposals backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom
-
Four Downs and a Bracket: Clemson is not as far from College Football Playoff as you think
-
Chris Evans Shares Thoughts on Starting a Family With Wife Alba Baptista
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Open Call
-
Abilene Christian University football team involved in Texas bus crash, leaves 4 injured
-
Johnny Gaudreau's widow posts moving tribute: 'We are going to make you proud'