GK Elite, the Reading-based manufacturer of gymnastics and training apparel, recently unveiled three newly designed leotards as part of its officially licensed 2024 Team USA Collection. Three additional designs will be available next month.
The leotards, according to CEO Matt Cowan, are intended to generate enthusiasm about the 2024 Summer Olympics, to be held in July and August in Paris.
“It’s a way for us to get the gymnastics community excited about the Olympics,” Cowan said. “Gymnasts can be part of the Team USA legacy as they watch their favorite athletes prepare for Paris.”
The three designs currently available, all of which are sleeveless practice leotards, are:
• All-American Pride tank leotard, a red, white and blue design featuring “Team USA” along with the American flag and Olympic rings.
• Star Spangled Skies tank leotard, a light blue model studded with stars, with a flag and rings design on the right, upper chest.
• Illuminated Independence tank leotard, adorned with a red, white and blue firework design along with the flag and rings on the left, upper chest.
GK Elite designers worked for 18 months on the leotards, all of which were designed and made in Reading. GK employs more than 500 workers.
“We like to say that Reading is the world capital of leotards,” Cowan said.
While the leotards are meant to be attractive, their primary attribute is function.
“We want people to be talking about the beautiful designs, but the fit of the garment is the critical component,” Cowan said. “At the end of the day we’re creating top-of-the-line performance products.”
He shared that GK Elite will unveil its licensed competition leotards before the start of the Olympics, something it has not done in the past.
“We’ve always unveiled our Olympic gear in real time during the games, but this time gymnasts will be able to get it in advance to wear while they watch their favorite athletes compete,” Cowan said.
The competition leotards, which have long sleeves, will feature patriotic features combined with elements of Parisian art and culture.
Cowan noted that GK Elite has partnered with more than 10 Olympic athletes to develop superior products and is the exclusive provider of training and competition leotards for USA Gymnastics National Team athletes.
“We’re very proud that we’re trusted to make apparel for some of the finest athletes in the world,” he said.
The company currently offers leotards designed by the most decorated American gymnast, Simone Biles; 2020 Olympic gold medalist Sunisa Lee; 2020 Olympic gold medalist Jade Carey; and 2020 Silver Medalist Jordan Chiles, according to information provided by GK Elite.
While the best selection for GK Elite products, including Team USA leotards, is online at gkelite.com, some products are sold on Amazon.com and at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Target.
