Why do they use a goat to honor Simone Biles?
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(CNN) -
Simone Biles' sponsors offered statements of support Wednesday following her decision to withdraw from Thursday's all-around individual gymnastics competition at the Tokyo Olympics. The 24-year-old champion noted the reason for her Departure from Tuesday's team competition was mental health, during interviews with reporters in Tokyo.
Biles could still compete in the finals of the individual events next week.
Athleta's brand director, Kyle Andrew, said the sportswear company supports Biles and his well-being "both in and out of competition."
Biles signed an endorsement deal with Athleta earlier this year after ending his contract with Nike.
"Being the best also means knowing how to take care of yourself," Andrew told CNN Business by email on Wednesday.
"We are inspired by her leadership thus far and we support her every step of the way."
Simone Biles says the support of her fans helps her realize that she is more than just her gold medals
Simone Biles was one of the favorites to take home the all-around gold.
She may still have a chance to compete in other individual events, but said Tuesday that she would take the rest of the Olympics "one day at a time."
On Tuesday, Biles said he would take the rest of the Olympics "one day at a time," in his bid to add to his spoils of four gold medals won at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Visa, another sponsor of the athlete, recognizes Biles' "incredibly courageous decision", said senior vice president of global sponsorship strategy Andrea Fairchild.
The decision "shows how Simone is able to inspire both on and off the mat."
Biles is one of 102 Olympians Visa sponsors in conjunction with its Team Visa program.
"We wish him the best in the coming days," added Fairchild.
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Protein shake brand Core Power tweeted Wednesday morning that Biles is "showing us all that his courage and strength extend far beyond the mat."
"We are in awe of you today and every day," added the company on Twitter along with an emoji of a goat (a reference to GOAT, "greatest of all time" or the best of all time).
Core Power told CNN Business that it has partnered with Biles for the past six years and that she has been one of its brand ambassadors since 2016. The company launched a new ad campaign with Biles on June 29.
"We have supported your physical recovery with Core Power protein shakes, and as a company we unequivocally support your full and complete health," the company said via email.
. @ Simone_Biles showing us all that her courage and strength extend well beyond the mat.
We're in awe of you today and every day.
đ #Simone pic.twitter.com/f2PVITsKzk
- Core Power (@CorePower) July 28, 2021
Team USA sponsor United Airlines came out Wednesday afternoon with its own statement praising Biles.
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"We have great admiration for Simone Biles, not only for her world-class talent on the mat, but also for the person she is every day," the company said in an email.
"We have been proud to partner with her for years and continue to support her."
Nabisco also said it was "proud to support Simone Biles today and every day."
The snack maker announced in May its recent partnership with Biles and other Team USA Olympians.
Uber Eats, which featured Biles in its "Tonight I'll be eating" ads late last year, said Wednesday it supports her, too.
"He has shown real strength both in and out of the gym, setting an incredible example to athletes around the world."
Simone biles