Simone Biles leaves Nike after six years to partner with Athleta

USA Gymnastics star Simone Biles is leaving Nike after six years to join Athleta. 

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Biles said that she felt Athleta was a better avenue to drive home the messages of the causes she believes in. 

"It wasn’t just about my achievements, it’s what I stood for and how they were going to help me use my voice and also be a voice for females and kids,” Biles said. “I feel like they also support me, not just as an athlete, but just as an individual outside of the gym and the change that I want to create, which is so refreshing."

Biles wasn't overly critical of Nike in her comments to the Wall Street Journal, saying she "just thought it was time for a change." The 24-year-old added that Athleta is "truly for women by women," which is something she likes about the company. 

"Now that I’m older and kind of in the world a little bit more, I see and I know and I learn and I grow from things, so to partner with Athleta, I think they stand for everything that I stand for," Biles said. 

Athleta and Biles told the Wall Street Journal that the star gymnast would have a platform to be an activist for women and girls. Athleta also pledged to support Biles' planned post-Olympics tour, which will not be through USA Gymnastics. 

A Nike spokeswoman told the Wall Street Journal that Biles "is an incredible athlete and we wish her the very best."

The Ohio native won four gold medals and one bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. She also has 19 world championship gold medals.