GK Elite Sportswear, L.P., along with the support of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, proudly introduces their unique and intricate GK 2012-2013 Couture Collection leotards.  All four leotards in this collection will be on display at USA Gymnastics National Congress in San Jose on June 29-July 1, 2012.

Freedom, the fourth stunning leotard in GK’s line of Couture Leotards, is adorned with approximately 13,500 jewels all generously donated by Swarovski, the premium brand for the finest crystal elements in the world.  Designer Jeanne Douglass chose from an array of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS to create this beautiful and powerful leotard.  This unique long sleeve leotard is studded with Swarovski Classic Crystals, Nailheads, Chessboard Circle, Chessboard Square, Graphic Flat Back, Oval, Pearl, Square, and Eclipse in colors such as Crystal Moonlight, Brushed Silver Metallic, Sapphire, Montana, and many more atop a White Mystique fabric.

Jeanne says that her inspiration for this patriotic leotard comes from her personal Olympic image of athletes victoriously wrapping themselves in the American flag.  She strived to bring the American flag to life by making it figuratively become the gymnast’s uniform.  To incorporate this idea into her design, Jeanne imitated ribbons wrapping around the gymnast’s body through different shades of red crystals.  The detail and beauty  of the sport of gymnastics is represented in the intricacy of the white areas while its power is signified by the blue areas.

Mary Stepp, GK Gymnastic Sales Representative for Louisiana and Mississippi, followed a long and winding path to the GK team.  But, the challenges along the way are what continue to inspire her.  She states, "Little did I know that the time I spent as an aerobics instructor would lead me to today.  Looking back, I guess it was a natural progression into the world of dance, gymnastics and cheerleading." 

Mary's sales career began after instructing aerobics classes and eventually becoming a supervisor of over 35 other instructors.  At the time, the company that supplied the instructor uniforms asked Mary to represent their line.  After that, she worked with several dance wear companies, servicing customers in several states.  Mary now feels privileged to represent GK. 

Mary and her husband, Wade, a retired Dallas School District principal and avid cyclist, live in Mansfield, Texas.  Mary lost one son at a tender age to Leukemia.  She also has a daughter and three grandchildren whom she adores, Andrew, a senior at University of Texas, William, a high school senior and Madeleine who currently battles an autoimmune disease but continues to dance five days a  week, competes and teaches students younger than herself.  Mary states that Madeline teaches her what life is about, "Take it as it comes and be happy!"

Do you live in Louisiana or Mississippi and need gymnastics leotards, warm-ups or other gymnastics apparel? Contact Mary at reynolds1102@aol.com.

Click here for contact information for GK Gymnastics Sales Representatives in other parts of the country.

GK Elite gymnastics apparel was featured this past month at the "Gloria" art exhibit at the 54th La Biennale di Venezia, a bi-annual gathering of artists in Venice which was organized by the Indianapolis Museum of Art.  The exhibit was created by Allora and Calzadilla and combines performance, sculpture, video, and sound elements.  The event exhibited U.S. male and female gymnasts, including 2007 U.S. All-Around Champion David Durante and 2008 Olympic silver medalist Chellsie Memmel, wearing GK Ladies' Unitards and men's Competition Shirts and Pants.

 

Male gymnasts such as David Durante showed off their quick movements and power in the Body in Flight (American) exhibition which used elite business class seats to imitate pommel horses.  For his routine, David wore a  GK Men's Competition Shirt style 1963 in red with white piping.  Click here to explore all of the competitive men's gymnastic apparel that GK has to offer.

When we asked David Durante about his thoughts on the Venice Biennale he remarked, "Being that the Venice Beinnale is the pinnacle of the contemporary art world, it is only fitting that GK came on board to provide the gymnastics uniforms for the performers of the Body in Flight pieces.  They make the best and most comfortable uniforms I've ever worn and wearing the USA across my chest again for this event brought me back to my competition days when I was a part of Team USA.  They went out of their way to provide a variety of unique styles for both the men and women that brought the whole American exhibit to another level."


Olympic medalist Chellsie Memmel and other elite female gymnasts performed in the Body in Flight (Delta) exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia wearing GK Ladies' Unitards.  An airline seat replica was created by the artists to represent a balance beam on which the gymnasts executed routines using their flexibility and fluidity.  Chellsie performed in the unitard version of the GK Symmetrical V Neck Competition Leotard style 9559, which is featured on the cover of the 2011-2012 Competitive Wear catalog as "Nastia Liukin's Leotard Choice".  Create your very own Special Order leotard like the one worn by Chellsie Memmel by clicking here.


Still want to learn more about La Biennale di Venezia?  Check out www.imamuseum.org/venice/about/exhibition to explore the event and view pictures of the gymnasts performing in GK gymnastics apparel!

Through GK Elite's continuing support of men's gymnastics and commitment to quality, variety, and service, GK has all but taken over the world of men's gymnastic apparel.  GK has been committed to the men's gymnastic program from the very beginning and continues to support initiatives like USA Gymnastics' Junior Olympic program.  More than 5,000 Junior Olympian boys have competed in GK garments over the past couple of decades.  The wide variety of IN STOCK and Special Order Competitve Apparel and warm-up choices available make GK stand out from the crowd.  World Class Gymnast Jonathan Horton recognizes GK's commitment and chooses to compete in GK competitive wear.Be the best at what you do by checking out all of GK's gymnastic IN STOCK and Special Order apparel today!

Elite Sportswear, L.P., the world’s largest manufacturer of gymnastics leotards and a leading provider of cheerleading uniforms, has announced the restructuring of the company’s Senior Management for Operations.

Donato Casciano has been hired as Executive Vice President of Operations.  Donato comes to Elite with 35 years of apparel manufacturing experience.  Most recently, he was the Director of Operations for Boathouse Sports, Inc., a niche manufacturer of rowing apparel.  Formerly the Director of Global Production for Under Armour, Donato’s leadership was integral to the company’s early stages of rapid growth.

In a series of related moves, Jeff Fields has been hired as the Production Manager of Cutting and Sewing.  Jeff brings 30 years of garment manufacturing experience to Elite, most recently with American Apparel in Los Angeles. There, he implemented quality control, auditing procedures and production lead times for on-time delivery within 22 facilities.

Nan Hurlburt was named to fill the newly-created position of Technical Design Director.  Nan comes to Elite with broad-based manufacturing and business experience from owning DesignWorks, a cheerleading and dancewear company in Massachusetts.

Mark Bowers, the new Quality Control Auditor, will oversee all quality processes including a beefed-up quality control department. Mark previously was Director of Quality Control at Ardmore Blouse in New York.

According to Dan Casciano, President and CEO, these changes will position Elite Sportswear for future growth in its gymnastic and cheerleading business units.  “The demand for our gymnastics products has been remarkable, given that we already are the market leader.” Casciano added, “We’re very excited to have these associates join our Elite family to help serve the gymnastics and cheerleading markets with greater innovation, quality and efficiency.”

GK-Elite Sportswear is the world’s leading supplier of gymnastics apparel and is recognized around the world for superior variety, quality, fit and service. Based in Reading, Pennsylvania, Elite Sportswear, L.P., the company behind the GK and adidas brands, continues its commitment to American-made quality and continuous innovation in designs for gymnastics leotards, cheerleading uniforms, and dance team apparel.

Welcome to Behind the Make It or Break It Leo: A weekly spotlight on the GK Gymnastics Apparel worn in each of this season's Make It or Break It episodes.  Each week, you’ll get a sneak preview of one of the leotards worn in that night’s episode. 

 

Photo © ABC Family

 

Tonight, Payson will be wearing a dramatic purple and black mystique competitive leotard. It features attractive black stripes on the chest and arms. The design of this gymnastics leotard was inspired while watching a drum and bugle corps competition. The uniforms worn at the competition reminded the designer of traditional military uniform designs. The harness worn by flag bearing members added a wide strap layering effect. The style lines on this leotard represent the harness and the colors used are meant to portray the dramatic music the corps played. Shop this and other styles from last night's episode here!

Do you have a favorite Make It or Break It leotard? Tell us about it below!

Watch all-new episodes Mondays at 9/8c on ABC Family. 

 

Naydenov Special Abilities Gymnastics Team from Vancouver, WA was formed in November 2009, and all of the Special Abilities coaches are volunteers.  Athletes on this special team can be any age with any level of cognitive or physical disability.  The team’s youngest athlete is 6 years old and their oldest is 49 years old. They train once a week for an hour and a half.  This team does both men’s and women’s artistic gymnastics and the athletes compete at three different levels of compulsory routines. In June 2010, they competed in the Oregon Special Olympics where the team swept most of the podium in medals.

 

Recently, the team ordered competitive gymnastics wear from GK. Sheri Bousqet, Head Coach of the Naydenov Special Olympics Gymnastics team, said, “Our team loves their GK uniforms!  The special fit leotards were true to size and fit our Down syndrome athletes perfectly.  The GK uniforms have held up wonderfully, some of our athletes wear their GK leotard to practice every week.  I have been especially impressed with GK’s customer service! They have helped me every step of the way… from sample uniforms for sizing to getting my initial order correct to adding more uniforms to my order at a later date.”   Bousqet continued, “Thank you GK for engineering the Special Fit gymnastics apparel line. Naydenov Special Abilities Gymnastics Team feels like Olympic gymnasts in their GK Uniforms!”

 

Congratulations to GK Gymnastics Apparel Designer, Jeanne Douglass, for being one of fourteen finalists selected to take part in the Macy’s Phillies Ballgirls Uniform Design Challenge.

Each of the finalists has been working on a contemporary design for the Phillies Ballgirls uniform. According to Macy’s District Vice President, Melissa Ludwig, the designs should be both fashionable and functional. They will be assigned a model who will help them debut their original design at Macy’s Center City on Thursday, March 31. The winning designer will be selected by a panel of judges and their design will be worn by the Ballgirls at select off-field community appearances throughout the upcoming season.

“Working for GK as a gymnastics apparel designer has been incredible. Gymnastics has been one of my life long passions, and to combine my love for design with my love for gymnastics is a dream come true,” says Jeanne. “Not many young designers have the opportunity to have their designs worn by high profile athletes, so I am forever grateful to GK for giving me this experience. I appreciate all the support that my coworkers at GK and my family and friends have given me throughout the Phillies competition.” Jeanne is shown here at front center with some of the models from her senior runway show at Cornell where she majored in Fiber Science & Apparel Design.

Best of Luck, Jeanne! GK is cheering you on!

Our new website has been redesigned to make shopping for the best gymnastics leotards, warm-ups, cheer, and dance apparel easier and more enjoyable! The new design has some great features including:

• Improved Navigation
• A more complete Product Search function
• Wish List
• Easier Check out
• Exciting new graphics and photography

While we’re sure you’ll love the new shopping experience, we realize that sometimes change can be uncomfortable until you’ve learned the new way of doing things. So, to get up to speed quickly click here for some easy pointers on navigating the new site. We hope you enjoy the new experience, and we’d love to hear your comments!

Coming soon: 
An all-new Design Studio, including features to add jewels, embroidery, and other embellishments to in-stock gymnastics leotards, warm-ups, and cheerleading apparel. Until then, please continue to use the old website to order your custom gymnastics and cheer competition uniforms.

"Elite Sportswear is the first choice in competitive, workout and gym show apparel for Massachusetts Gymnastics Center. GK offers a quality product along with friendly, efficient customer service. Thank you GK for all the support you provide the gymnastics community."

Kathy Ostberg
Massachusetts Gymnastics Center

"Gymcats can always count on GK Elite. GK has always provided superior customer service, a quality product and a unique look that always stands out. Thank you GK for all your hard work!"

Cassie Rice
Gymcats

"In this era of excellence in USA Gymnastics, GK is the obvious choice for apparel. It is clear that GK’s professionalism, excellent quality and design of team uniforms and proshop apparel continues with the same level of excellence as USA Gymnastics."

Jeff Wood
Orlando Metro Gymnastics

"Here at Texas Sports Ranch, we carry a wide array of GK products in our pro shop, and like our customers, we are very satisfied with the styles and quality that GK provides. Our coaching staff can count on the perfect fit, quality workmanship, and outstanding customer service for our athletes on the competitive gymnastics and acrobatics teams. GK another great season, and we couldn't have done it without you!"

David Rogers
Texas Sports Ranch

Join our list of customers to experience what sets us and our gymnast outfit apart! You can also join us on Facebook to discuss thing like our apparel or even more specific things like gymnastics grips.

 

When you are looking for Men's gymnastics apparel, GK is the Choice of Champions. Whether it is Boys Gymnastics leotards, mens gymnastics short and pants, warm ups or even new styled gymnastics compression shirts, GK is the name chosen. Just ask Parkettes:

"The Parkette Boys  Gymnastics Team has been a GK team since 1981. No one can match the style and comfort of their uniforms and GK's exceptional service and professionalism is unmatched. GK's continued support of the sport of gymnastics - from the grass roots programs to the Elite level - has been unwavering. Thank you GK!"

Joe Stallone
Men's Program Director
Parkette National Gymnastics
Training Center





Click Here to see GK's entire line of Mens Gymnastics Apparel

January 29, 2010 -- GK-Elite Sportswear announces Shawn Johnson, 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist, as the company’s first-ever endorsed athlete promoting her own signature cheer practice wear collection. The new Shawn Johnson Cheer collection, featured in the GK 2010 Cheer catalog, includes seven coordinating practice tops and shorts in cutting edge styles, prints and colors.

 

“I’m excited to introduce my new signature collection for cheer,” said the Olympic Champion. “I love cheer and the fact that it incorporates tumbling skills into the routines. I hope everyone finds my collection to be fun and fashionable. Good luck in 2010!”

“We are thrilled to present Shawn Johnson’s premier Cheer Workout Collection as an exclusive GK offering,” stated Kelly McKeown, who heads up GK’s Cheer Division. She added, “With her energetic performances in the world of gymnastics and also as the winner of Dancing with the Stars, Shawn represents all that is great about cheer. Shawn has poured her creative touch into her new signature line by including a mix of fun and athleticism into her designs. 2010 is going to be an incredible year for us!”.

The Shawn Johnson Collection is highlighted in GK’s new 2010 Cheer catalog. GK is bringing their gymnastics wear engineering expertise to the spirit market. The 2010 catalog includes a greatly expanded range of women’s styling, men’s cheer apparel, cool new practice wear, dance wear, camp apparel, spirit wear, matching bows and safety & training equipment.

See GK’s New Cheerleading Apparel online at:

www.GKCheerUniforms.com

Available starting February 4th 2010.

GK-Elite Sportswear is the world’s leading supplier of gymnastics apparel and is recognized around the world for superior variety, quality, fit and service. Based in Reading, Pennsylvania, Elite Sportswear, L.P., the company behind the GK brand, continues its commitment to American-made quality and continuous innovation in designs for Gymnastics, Cheerleading, and Dance apparel.

It's 12 Days til Christmas. Though not a Partridge in a Pear Tree, Gymnastics Warm Ups can keep gymnasts warm in and out of the Gym. GK Offers the best selection in gymnastics for styles designed to fit you and match the rest of your uniform and complete your gymnastics outfit.

Check our GK Warm Ups Today

36 Days Until Christmas

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS

Give personalized gymnastics leotards and apparel this holiday season with Jewels and Embroidery from GK.

Turn a Basic Leotard* or Warm up into a custom uniform.  Embroider names, team insignia and logos. Add Jewels. Many predesigned jewels or create your own design!














*These options are available on GK Stock Team Basic Tank Leotards  and Stock Long Sleeve Leotards and Stock Warm Ups. Seasonal and promotional designs cannot be customized.

Basic Tanks
Long Sleeve Collection 1
Long Sleeve Collection 2
InStock Elite Fitted Warm Ups
InStock Team Coordinates Gymnastics Warm Ups


Just Click to Customize



Just click on the Click to Customize Button on the item page. A pop up box will open providing the Jeweling and embroidery options available for that style.

The 2009-2010 adidas gymnastics wear collection offers gymnasta and Teams a great selection of coordinated gymnastics wear for a whole team - women, men, kids - with classic adidas styling.

New Long Sleeve Leotard from stock - the AS505 - adidas Long Sleeve Leotard is the first long sleeve adidas leotard available from stock.

Classic adidas women's tank Leotard - the AS300 - adidas Triple-Stripe Tank Leo offers the classic adidas 3-stripe design. It is avaialble in a number of color combinations, but can be coordinated with this Black collection for your whole team

Mens adidas gymnastics wear - in addition to the Black 3-Stripe Comp shirt, matching adidasgymnasticss pants and gymnastics shorts complete the total gymnastics uniform package.

New in 2009 Florentine fabric - Distressed Metallic Leaf Nylon Spandex with foil fabric for Special Order Leotards and Cheer Uniforms



GK is always pushing the envelope of fashion and beauty. New for 2009 we have introduced a beautiful gold leaf fabric, reminicent of renaissance Florence. The beautiful, distressed pattern has highlights of gold foil contrasting with areas of matte gold, creating a classic Florentine pattern.

We introduced the Florentine fabrics in early 2009 in our Cheerleading Team Coordinates and uniforms and Dance apparel. It was met with such a wave of positive response that we added it to our GK Competitive Gymnasitcs Leotards and Warm Ups lines for the 2009-2010 season.

Choose for your Special Order Apparel

Silver and Gold Florentine are color options that you can choose when you are designing a Special Order garment through our Special Order Design Studio. Choose the style that you want.

Fabric: Hologram & Nylon/Spandex &/foil

Colors: Silver Florentine - M33
            Gold Florentine -  M34

The style shown to the right is GK's 4825, with Silver Florentine that is beautifully contrasted with Sapphire Blue Velvet with Clear Crystals along the style lines.

Click here to see the 4825

The Gold Florentine example pictures above is from our 2009 Cheer Team Coordinates Catalog, Style #CH02, which is shown contrasted with a black mystique fabric.

The florentine fabrics are also available in GK's 2009 Gymnastics Warm Ups (Elite Fitted), In Stock Leotards - Stock as Special Order Catalog, GK Unitards for Acro and Team Gym, our Cheer Uniforms Catalog as well as from our Dance Apparel catalogs.

The USA-Gymnastics Congress and Visa Championships are taking place this week in Dallas Texas. This is a chance for GK to show everything we have to offer for the 2009-10 Selling season to GK Clubs across the country. Gymnastics Apparel on display includes:

New Womens Competitive Apparel - Special Order and In Stock competitive Long Sleeve Leotards

Gymnastics Warm Ups - In Stock and Special Order Gymnastics Warm Ups.

Men's Gymnastics Apparel - Comp Shirts, Warm Ups and GK's new Gymnastics Compression Shirts in an expanded range of colors and styles

GK's 2009 Holiday Program - Always a hit

New GK Risk Free Program - With an expanded range of styles and price points

New adidas Gymnastics Wear - Now GK is the Exclusive World Supplier of adidas Gymnastics Wear

New Seasonal Essentials Styles including
    Back to School Leotards
    Fall Winter Collection


You can also see GK's new Cheer Uniforms - a great additional line for all gyms that also cater to Cheer teams!

At the show, GK Dealers can take advantage of GK's show discounts - with Free Shipping of Team orders!

See Pictures from the Show!!!

Olympic Mens Gymnastics Champion Jonathan Horton has returned to form and is leading the Mens Gymnastics competition at the Visa Championships.

As Reported on USA-Gymnastics.org

DALLAS, Texas, Aug. 12, 2009 -- 2008 Olympic silver-medalist Jonathan Horton of Houston came from behind to take the lead in the men’s all-around with a score of 91.250 on the first night of the senior men’s competition at the 2009 Visa Championships at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The final day of men’s competition is Friday, Aug. 14. Tomorrow, women’s gymnastics takes the floor.

“I am happy with tonight, even though I know I can do better,” said Horton. “A lot of guys will say they don’t look at the scoreboard (while they’re competing), but I’m always looking. When I saw myself in 22nd place, I got fired up. I knew exactly where I was and that if I could land the dismount (on high bar), the crowd would love it. That really got me going. Now I feel confident going into the final round. “

The final round of competition will be Saturday. You can see a recap on NBC or watch the live webcast on http://www.usa-gymnastics.org.

Jonathan performed Day one in his Team USA adidas gymnastics uniform - Blue, including the Royal Blue Comp Shirt and gymnastics pants.

Learn more about adidas Gymnastics at our mini-site

http://www.gkelite.com/adidas/aboutgkadidas.html

or SHOP NOW at

adidas mens gymnastics wear

GK Elite has made a Huge difference for the men’s Program at all levels but especially at the Junior Olympic level. It is always very positive and motivating to be able to provide athletes with a tangible recognition of their competitive accomplishments.  GK has stepped up with the sponsorship to be able to provide the Junior National and Junior Development Team warm ups as well as Regional Team uniforms. Without sponsorship, we would not be able to provide this level of support to these developing athletes.

Dennis McIntyre
Men’s Program Director
USA Gymnastics

You can see GK's Full line of Mens Gymnastics Apparel by clicking the links below:

GK and adidas Mens Competitive Gymnastics Leotards Comp Shirts and Shorts

GK Mens Warm Ups

Friday July 31st - Reading, PA - GK Elite Sportswear announces that we have a new blog specially devoted to our Cheerleading Uniforms.

http://cheer.gkelite.com

Introduced early in 2009, GK's New Cheer Uniforms and Cheer Team Coordinates have proved to be a natural extension to our product offering. Cheerleading apparel is a match to our capabilities with Gymnastics Leotards and Apparel, where reliable stretch and consistent fit are a must. GK Cheer separates include Cheer Crop Tops and Long Tops with matching Shorts and Skirts. Instead of Heavy Double Knit Polyester and Braid, GK uses the same Nylon Spandex used in Gymnastics Leotards. It figures that if these fabrics are ideal of Gymnastics Tumbling, they will also be comfortable for tumbling in Cheerleading.

The New GK Cheer Unis really debuted to the Cheer marketplace this April at the All Star Cheerleading Worlds event in Orlando, Florida. At the Event, The California All Starts and the Maryland F5 Twisters, two of the leading All Star Cheer Clubs in the US, introduced GK Unis to the Cheer World. And Cheerleaders are not looking back.

So Check out our New Cheer Blog - and bookmark it for future reference. If you are not already signed up, be sure to join our Cheer mailing List, where we will be sure to keep you informed of everything new in Cheerleading Apparel.