It has been an exciting year so far for us at GK Elite! We have announced our partnership with Under Armour®, launched our Cirque du Soleil Collection, and participated as the exclusive vendor at the 2013 Junior Olympic National Gymnastics Compulsory Workshops in Orlando, FL and Reno, NV in early June. These workshops are held to provide participants with a clear understanding of the 2013-2021 USA Gymnastics Women's Junior Olympic Program. Workshops include concepts, compulsory exercises, text interpretation, and skills techniques. All coaches who attended received W311 University Credit and all judges earned their Continuing Education Clinic credits. A few coaches were lucky enough to win some very exciting prizes, from GK!

Above are the winners from the Orlando, FL Workshops. Each day, GK hosted events that offered these exclusive prize packages. Our booths were flooded with gymnasts and coaches while we released our Under Armour® Catalogs and showed some of our Cirque du Soleil Collection. Featured above, Jennifer Plecs from Deary's Gymnastics, and Jessica Sedgwick (no photo) from Prattville, YMCA received a  giveaway for 2 FREE Cirque du Soleil ticket vouchers good towards 2 tickets to a Cirque du Soleil show valued at $200.  GK Elite was proud to award Kelly Hill from JamJev Gymnastics $500 in SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS on up to ten leotards. Also featured above Jenn Laake with TGC Gymnastics received the FREE Under Armour® Coaches Pack including a polo shirt, warm-up set, and backpack for up to five coaches valued at $1,200.

Our Reno, NV Compulsories Workshops were also a huge success! Again our booths were flooded with gymnasts and coaches so eager to see our Under Armour® and Cirque du Soleil Collections. Our proud winners of the Cirque du Soleil tickets were Dawn Mosteller from Rising Stars Gymnatics in photo, and Tracy Green from River City Gymnastics.

Ernestine Russel of Flex It won the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS package, and Sharon Weber won the Under Armour® Coaches pack, not shown. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　

Read more about Elite Sportswear's partnership with Under Armour® here. Elite Sportswear Announces Partnership with Under Armour® to Produce Under Armour® Brand Gymnastics Apparel

GK. Choice of Champions.

It was a wonderful celebration Tuesday, June 11th acknowledging GK Elite's employees and all of their hard work in our recent partnership with Under Armour®. Dan Casciano, President of GK Elite Sportswear expressed his heartfelt gratitude to over 400 employees in the preparation and release of our Under Armour® Catalog. Under Armour's Director, Athlete Services & Event Merchandising, Mark Graff spoke highly of Elite Sportswear and acknowledged Under Armour’s excitement on our new partnership. Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations and Design, Kelly McKeown showed her enthusiasm as well, "We are excited to have launched the Under Armour catalog.  The company luncheon was a great way to show our entire company how much we appreciate all of their hard work in this endeavor, and to showcase the National Team apparel that we design and manufacture in conjunction with Under Armour. We look forward to a successful journey over the next eight years of our partnership!"

"You could certainly feel everyone's excitement in the crowd. It is a huge accomplishment and stepping stone for us", said one employee. The celebration continued throughout the day with an outdoor picnic catered by Konopelski Catering, a local caterer. Grilled hamburgers and hot dogs were served among the staff, and a traditional cake in celebration of this momentous event.

Elite Sportswear, manufacturer of GK, the world's most popular brand of gymnastics apparel celebrates its recent partnership with Under Armour®, Inc. to manufacture workout and competitive gymnastics apparel for male and female gymnasts. The two American companies have developed an exclusive collection of gymnastics apparel that blends GK's expertise in gymnastics and Under Armour®'s  mission "to make all athletes better through passion, design, and the relentless pursuit of innovation." 

Our new Under Armour® Collection is now available online at  www.gkelite.com/underarmour and the catalog was released in early June 2013. These new cutting edge leotard designs are inspired by the iconic Under Armour® brand and some by the U.S. National Team. 

This eight year partnership ensures that Elite Sportswear is the official manufacturer of the U.S.A. Gymnastics National Team and Olympic apparel in 2016 and 2020!

Shop Elite Sportswear's Under Armour® Collection now and see what the next generation of gymnastic's leotards look like!

GK. Choice of Champions.

Calling all Coaches! Is your team ready for the new set of compulsory routines? Changes are coming soon!

Join GK Elite, this year's exclusive vendor in Orlando, FL at the 2013 Junior Olympic National Compulsory Workshops. New music and new routines are to be released on June 10, 2013, effective Fall 2013 through 2021. Learn from a list of proposed elements to share with your team and for practicing purposes over the summer. These workshops are designed specifically for you to prepare for the 2013-2021 USA Gymnastics Women's Junior Olympic Program. Check out our GK Elite events this weekend and enter to win these exciting prizes!

Friday, May 31st - Cirque du Soleil Giveaway

Two lucky coaches will win a set of 2 FREE Cirque du Soleil tickets, a $200 value. Winner to be selected at 5:45 pm.

Saturday, June 1st - SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Embellishments Drawing

One lucky coach will receive $500 worth of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Embellishments for up to ten purchased GK gymnastics leotards. Winner to be selected at 6:30 pm.

Sunday, June 2nd - Under Armour® Coaches Pack

Win $1,200 worth of Under Armour® apparel for your team's coaches. Pack includes a polo shirt, warm-up set and backback for up to five coaches.

Additional coaches packs may be purchased at 50% off suggested retail prices. Winner to be selected at 4:00 pm.
 

Coaches...we are pleased to announce the release of our new line of Cirque du Soleil and Under Armour® Collections!

GK Elite has partnered with Cirque du Soleil to develop a line of workout leotards that combine GK's exclusive fit with the whimsical artistry of Cirque du Soleil. These leotards feature exclusive designs, prints and embellishments new to the gymnastics apparel industry. In addition, we have partnered with Under Armour® to provide your team with the perfect fit and fabric technology. Read more on our relationship with Under Armour® here.

You will be the very first to view the new collections and receive our brand new, hot off the press Under Armour® Catalog! Take your team to the top with the latest styles in gymnastics wear!

GK. Choice of Champions.
 

Elite Sportswear, manufacturer of GK, the world’s most popular brand of gymnastics apparel, is pleased to announce a partnership with Under Armour, Inc. to manufacture workout and competitive gymnastics apparel for male and female gymnasts.  The two American companies have developed an exclusive collection of gymnastics apparel that blends GK’s expertise in gymnastic with Under Armour’s mission “to make all athletes better through passion, design and the relentless pursuit of innovation.” 

The new Under Armour^® gymnastics products will be available online at http://www.gkelite.com in early June 2013.  The catalog will be mailed to existing accounts on approximately June 15th.  In addition to new, cutting edge leotard designs inspired by the iconic Under Armour^® brand, the line will also include U.S. National Team inspired leotards as seen at the 2013 American Cup and Jesolo Trophy.

The eight year partnership includes the manufacture of the leotards to be worn by the U.S. Olympic gymnastics teams in 2016 and 2020 thus insuring that our Olympic team will be wearing garments sewn right here in the USA.

And here's your first look inside the new 2013-14 Under Armour Gymnastics Catalog....

Under Armour® in stock sporty gymnastics workout leotard style 6302, Power, features bright Cherry Mystique body, Navy Techmesh shoulder and racer back, and Navy Nylon/Spandex side inserts.   This style includes a matching hair scrunchie.  Under Armour® in stock gymnastics competition shirt style 6002, Fighter, features a cutting edge design and sublimated print on front and back in Black Nylon/Spandex, Charcoal Techmesh and Black Techmesh.  This style is available for men's gymnastics and boy's gymnastics, both with boy cut leg. 

Under Armour® long sleeve gymnastics competition leotard style 6701, Elegance, is inspired by the National Team leotard worn at the 2013 Jesolo Trophy.  This competition leotard with v neck and back features sweetheart styling with pretty faux shoulder strap design.  This style includes a matching hair scrunchie.   Shown here in Hot Red Mesh and Red Mystique.  Options Shown:  J867, T780 and T781 in Clear SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.  Under Armour® men's gymnastics competition shirt style 6101, the Competitor, is also inspired by the USA Gymnastics National Team and features daring web-like side styling.  Available for men's gymnastics and boy's gymnastics, both with boy cut leg.  Shown here in Royal Nylon/Spandex, White Nylon/Spandex and Navy Nylon/Spandex.  All National Team inspired styles can be shipped internationally after October 15, 2013.

This highly anticipated Under Armour^® collection of gymnastics apparel will be online for ordering in early June 2013 at http://www.gkelite.com or by calling the GK Customer Service Department at 800.345.4087.

The Maverick All Star Tumblers' Level 5 Power Tumbling Team out of Weatherford, TX, looked great as they swept the awards stand at the State Championship in their brand new GK leotards!  The team had five individual State Champions, two team awards and even qualifiers for Nationals.  Way to go Maverick All Star Tumblers! 

The girls absolutely loved their GK Sweetheart Swirls Gymnastics Leotards (Style 5825ST) in Silver Mystique, Navy Mystique and Blue Raspberry Mystique which is shown below.  The boy on their team competed in a GK Wrap Around Men's Gym Competition Shirt (Style 1853ST) in Black Nylon/Spandex, Pewter Nylon/Spandex and White Nylon/Spandex and Men's Gymnastics Competition Pants (Style 1846M) in White Nylon/Spandex.  "We looked great in our GK leotards and our boy is in a  competition shirt and pants by GK!" said Coach Jenifer Still.

Get your team ready for competition by checking out GK's entire selection of Gymnastics Competitive Leotards!  Need help?  Your local GK Gymnastics Sales Representative will be happy to help you!

The gymnastics team from San Jose State University in San Jose, California needed two new leotards this season and GK Sales Representative for Northern California, Holly Thomas, was very happy to help the Spartans get some sparkle.  Holly worked with San Jose Head Coach, Wayne Wright, and Assistant Coach, Shella Martinez, on the design of the team's new gymnastics leotards.  The coaches were drawn to the affordability of Sequinz which offer jewel-like bling for a far less, budget friendly price. 

Once the decision was made to go ahead with a Sequinz design, Coach Martinez and Holly worked together on choosing GK's Basic V Neck Gymnastics Leotard 4863, a classic gymnastics competition leo, in their school colors of Rich Royal Mystique with Gold Mystique binding along the neckline.  The sleeves were shortened to 3/4 length and then the Gold Hologram Sequinz Spartan logo was created and set on the left side of the body to wrap around to the back.

For the team's "pink meets," for breast cancer awareness, GK's In Stock 3/4 Sleeve Gymnastics Leotard 3457 in Black Mystique was the perfect choice.  A smaller Spartan logo on the chest was created using Pink Sequinz.  The Spartans light up the mat with their two Sequinz leotards! 

Do your athletes need some bling on a budget? New for 2013-2014 are Special Order Competitive Sequinz - seven NEW full body Sequinz designs!  You will have a brand new, sparkling leotard in four easy steps!

1. Select your gymnastics leotard style
2. Select your fabric
3. Select your Sequinz design
4. Select your Sequinz color

To find out more about Special Order Competitive Sequinz - click here to find your local GK Gymnastics Sales Representative - they will be happy to answer any questions.

GK. Choice of Champions.

GK Everyday Champions from Multnomah Athletic Club in Portland, Oregon are stunning in their GK gymnastics leotards at the Byers invitational in Sacramento, California this past March.  The coach told their GK Sales Representative, Holly Thomas, that the girls love how Aly Raisman often wears her leotard sleeves right above the elbow and they were very excited that GK could do the same for them!  The girls stopped by the GK Booth at the event to happily pose for a picture.

Their leotard is GK's Elegant V Neck Comp Leo 4829, a chic competitive gymnastics leotard with a V neck & back and curved bodice with modified sleeve length a la Aly style.

The fabrics they chose are Black Mystique and Red Hot Mesh which provide the perfect backdrop for a shimmering waterfall of Brilliance SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Have a leotard style that you just love but can't find?  Look no further than the brand new GK 2013-2014 Women's Competitive Leotard Catalog.  Choose any fabric and any color combination to design a GK Competitive Gymnastics Leotard with your own custom look. Add your team name or logo in your choice of jewels, embroidery or imprinting.

Need help?  Find your local GK Gymnastics Sales Reresentative here and they will be happy to assist you.

GK. Choice of Champions.

All new for Summer 2013 - 6 brand new gymnastics workout leotards designed by Olympic gold medalist and GK Champion, Aly Raisman.  Fall in love with beautiful colors, cutting edge fabrics, and the all important sparkle factor!

Aly Raisman Lemon Lime Tank Leo E2241, is a scoop neck Lemon Lime Mystique gymnastics leotard with fun Purple Fusion Hologram & Silver Mystique dual side applique.  Aly Raisman Sporty Wrap Around Workout Leo E2244 is a v-neck Berry Nylon/Spandex & Orangeade Sparkle Hologram gymnastics leotard with sporty Black Techmesh wrap around design. Aly Raisman Classic Black Tank Leotard E2243 is a v-neck Black Nylon/Spandex gymnastics leotard with Black Mesh upper and Lemon Lime Mystique sweetheart accent and binding.

Aly Raisman Wild Sangria Workout Leotard E2242 is a v-neck Wild Sangria Sparkle Hologram and Sangria Nylon/Spandex gymnastics leotard featuring a cascade of clear jewels.  Aly Raisman Sapphire Slither Workout Leotard E2246 is a Sapphire Slither Hologram racerback gymnastics leotard featuring Neon Green Techmesh insert & binding with Clear SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS highlighting scoop neck.  Aly Raisman Electric Turquoise Tank Leotard E2245 is a scoop neck Electric Turquoise gymnastics leotard featuring White Sparkle Hologram front-to-back design and Silver Hologram Sequinz spray on front.

Check out the entire 2013 Summer & Camp Workout Essentials Catalog here.  Hurry - FREE action poster with the purchase of each Aly Raisman Leotard through May 1, 2013.

GK. Choice of Champions.

GK is proud to announce its new partnership with internationally recognized Cirque du Soleil.  Our two brands, each known for imagination and innovation, will collaborate to develop an exclusive collection of gymnastic leotards combining our exclusive leotard fit and the whimsical artistry of Cirque du Soleil. A perfect combination of form, function, and fantasy, the eight new GK leotard designs will transport gymnasts into the dreamlike fantasy world of Cirque du Soleil.  The leotard collection will feature never before seen engineered prints and cutting edge embellishments new to the gymnastics industry.

"Working with Cirque du Soleil is a dream come true,” said Kelly McKeown, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations & Design for GK.  “The creative inspiration provided to our design team included imagery of textiles, costumes, and set designs from various shows.  This has ignited the imagination of our designers to create an exquisite, unique and fantasy-like collection of leotards.  We are thrilled to work with Cirque du Soleil as the synergy between our brands is evident."

“Cirque du Soleil is happy to partner with GK who brings an innovative spirit to the industry of gymnastics apparel,” said Marie-Josée Lamy, Senior Director of Licensing & Consumer Products Partnerships at Cirque du Soleil.  “Both our companies strive for innovation, creativity, and quality.”  The Cirque du Soleil collection of leotards will be available in late June 2013 at http://www.gkelite.com or by calling the GK Customer Service Department at 800.345.4087.

Enter the world of Cirque du Soleil!

GK. Choice of Champions.

At the close of the March Women's National Team Camp at the Karolyi Ranch, USAG announced the eight women selected to represent Team USA on a two week European Tour which will begin at the 2013 Jesolo Trophy on Saturday, March 23rd in Jesolo, Italy. GK was on hand immediately to deliver brand new Under Armour gymnastics leotards to the National Team for training and competition as part of its partnership with Under Armour to manufacture the National Team leotards.

Looking fantastic in their training leotards are Amelia Hundley of Hamilton, Ohio/Cincinnati Gymnastics, Maggie Nichols of Little Canada, Minnesota/Twin City Twisters, Brenna Dowell of Lenexa, Kansas/Great American Gymnastics Express, Bailie Key of Montgomery, Texas/Texas Dreams Gymnastics, Lexie Priessmann, reigning U.S. Junior Champion, of Cincinnati, Ohio/Cincinnati Gymnastics, Peyton Ernst of Coppell, Texas/Texas Dreams Gymnastics, Simone Biles of Spring, Texas/Bannon's Gymnastics, and Olympic Gold Medalist, Kyla Ross of Aliso Viejo, California/Gym-Max. 

It looks like the team is very happy with their Under Armour leotards! 

Which leo is your favorite? Comment below telling us which leotard is your favorite and why you love it and you will be entered to win a 2-piece set of Mystique Headbands!

Comments will be accepted through Thursday, March 28th at 11:59 PM.  Twenty winners will be randomly selected to receive a headband set.  Winners will be able to choose an adult or child size headband set.

Please note: Comments on the GK Gymnstics Blog are moderated by an administrator so there may be a delay before you see your comment published.

Good luck!  We can't wait to hear from you!

GK. Choice of Champions.

Under Armour & USA Gymnastics today announced that Under Armour, Inc., the Baltimore, MD-based leader in athletic performance gear, will provide performance apparel, footwear, and accessories for the USA Gymnastics athletes, coaches, and staff for the next eight years, through the 2020 Olympic Games.  This is the brand’s first sponsorship of a national governing body for a summer Olympic sport.

As part of this exciting agreement, Under Armour will also collaborate with GK Elite Sportswear to create the U.S. National Team competition apparel for men's gymnastics, women's gymnastics, and trampoline & tumbling.  GK has been the exclusive manufacturer of competitive gymnastics apparel for the U.S. National Team since 2000.  “GK Elite is proud to be partnering with Under Armour and USA Gymnastics for the next two Olympic cycles,” said Kelly McKeown, EVP of Corporate Relations.

Designated as the official performance apparel and footwear outfitter, Under Armour will provide national team members with competition, conditioning and training apparel, accessories and footwear, including competition gymnastics leotards. The U.S. National Team coaches, athletes and staff will also be outfitted head-to-toe at national training camps and national & international competition.  USA Gymnastics athletes and staff will first appear in Under Armour® apparel at the AT&T American Cup on Saturday, March 2.  Stay tuned to the GK Gymnastics Blog for future updates & news!

GK. Choice of Champions.

These GK Everyday Champions, sisters Savanna and Emmy P., just grew out of toddler sizes allowing Mom many more GK leotard options for her two gymnasts.  Savanna and Emmy train at Kids Gym, Inc., in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Mom, Melissa Peters, said, "These Engineered Art gymnastics leotards from the Back to School catalog are so precious. Both of my girls love gymnastics!  Savanna is quickly picking up skills and Emmy just can't get enough. I am grateful that GK makes such cute and well-fitting leotards.  GK is my favorite brand of gymnastics leotards because of the quality, durability, and resell value.  I'm also grateful for the cuteness!"

Looking for some great options for your gymnasts?  Check out our Value Tanks where there is always a great selection of fabrics and patterns to choose from.

GK's In-Stock Tank Leotards are another style collection to shop for workout leotards that have the unparalleled GK design and fit!

GK. Choice of Champions.
 

GK is delighted to announce the addition of Gabrielle Douglas to its premier roster of GK Champions. In July of 2012, Gabrielle, who is coached by Liang Chow at Chow's Gymnastics in Des Moines, Iowa, became the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the Individual All-Around Champion as well as the first American gymnast to win the gold medal in both the Individual All-Around and the Team Competition during the same Olympic Games. 

As a GK Champion, Gabrielle joins an elite group of gymnastic champions, past and present, who choose GK.  Gabrielle will beautifully sport GK gymnastics apparel at events, grace GK catalogs, and will promote GK across social medial and advertising campaigns.

Probably the most exciting part of Gabrielle signing on to be a GK Champion - the Gabrielle Douglas Signature Collection of gymnastics leotards!  The first six leotards of the Signature Collection by Gabrielle Douglas, designed by the gold medalist, will be available for sale in 2013 at www.gkelite.com.

"I am so honored and excited to have my own line of leotards with GK,” said Gabrielle.  “Expressing my personality and love for gymnastics through this leotard collection is a great way to share my creative ideas.  I will be really proud when I see other gymnasts wearing my designs to practice!”

Gabrielle's Signature Collection follows the success of the Gold Medal Signature Collections by 2008 Olympic All-Around Champion Nastia Liukin and 2008 Olympic Balance Beam Gold Medalist Shawn Johnson.  Gabrielle's Signature Collection will join GK’s Alexandra Raisman collection announced earlier this year and continue the same brilliant combination of the design and manufacturing expertise of GK and the artistic vision and unique perspective of a top athlete in the sport of gymnastics.

Kelly McKeown, Executive Vice President of Corporate Relations & Design at GK said, "Gabrielle Douglas exudes excitement when doing gymnastics. Her energy and performance put a smile on your face when you watch her. Her new Signature Collection captures this same energy with colorful fabrics and playful designs. We are so excited for the upcoming launch of her line that is co-branded with GK.”

GK. Choice of Champions.

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. 

Independence, the second in the line of couture gymnastics leotards, boasts an approximate retail value of $5,500.  This one-of-a-kind long sleeve competitive gymnastics leotard is embellished with over 18,000 handset and heat transferred SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS atop Silver Mystique fabric. 

Leotard designer, Ann Jones, chose from an array of gorgeous jewel types and hues all donated by Swarovski, the premium brand for the finest crystal elements in the world.  To evoke both pride and patriotism, Ann chose variegated blue star shaped crystal rock, clear Aurora Borealis star Shaped crystal rock, clear crystal stars, and classic round crystals in Sapphire Blue, Light & Dark Siam, Light & Crystal Aurora Borealis, Dark Indigo, Sky Blue, White & Air Blue Opal, and Clear Crystals.  The stained glass windows at the Washington Memorial Chapel, where Ann has been a member throughout her life, provided inspiration for this nationalistic couture leotard.

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.

GK Elite Sportswear, L.P., along with the support of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, proudly introduces their unique and intricate GK 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.  Courage, the first in this line, was designed for the Pink Invitational outreach gymnastics meet which was held on February 24-26, 2012.  The proceeds from the raffle of this courage-inspired leotard benefited Unite for HER, a non-profit organization dedicated to breast cancer awareness.

This incredibly rare and ornate long sleeve competitive gymnastics leotard holds a retail value of $5,000 and is part of GK’s 2012-2013 Couture Collection.  Over 10,000 handset Classic and Diamond Leaf SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS adorn a premium backdrop of Black and Petal Pink Mystique fabrics to evoke both strength and beauty from the leotard.  Swarovski, the premium brand for the finest crystal elements in the world, donated all SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, allowing leotard designer Julia Kline to choose from an array of hues to illuminate the leotard including Crystal Moonlight, Rose, Indian Pink, Fuchsia, Ruby, and more.  Julia said, “The flame design engulfing the iconic pink ribbon on the back of the leotard portrays the courageous 'fight' each woman faces when she braves her personal battle with breast cancer.  The rest of the design is symbolic of the strength and beauty that can arise from something so tragic."

Raffle tickets for this courage-inspired leotard were sold at the Pink Invitational and online and raised over $4,300 for Unite for HER.  The lucky recipient of this one-of-a-kind leotard was Bryn Kanagy a Level 4 gymnast from Centre Elite Gymnastics in State College, PA. 

Shannon Miller is the most decorated gymnast in US Olympic history.  She is a gymnastic legend both individually and as a member of the US Women’s Gymnastics Team, fondly referred to as the “Magnificent Seven.”  Her Gold medal on the balance beam at the 1996 Olympic Games marked the first time in history for any American gymnast to capture that particular medal.  During those Games, Shannon led the US Women’s Team to successfully oust the Russian gymnastic dynasty and win Team Gold that year on their home soil of Atlanta, Georgia.  The US Women’s Gymnastics Team had never won Gold even at a World Championship – but that year – they accomplished what no team had been able to do before. 

Four years earlier, at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, Shannon’s tally of five medals was the most medals won by a US athlete in any sport.  According to Shannon, “Representing my country on the Olympic stage was an honor, a privilege and one of the greatest moments of my life.”

Shannon has won a staggering 7 Olympic medals and 9 World Championship Medals, 59 International and 49 National competition medals, over half of which have been gold.  She is the only American to rank among the Top 10 All-Time Gymnasts and is the only female athlete inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame – Twice!  First, in 2006, as an individual athlete and again in 2008, as a member of the Magnificent Seven team.

It’s no surprise that when asked about the design inspiration for her 2012 Legends Collection Leotard for GK, Shannon chose a “modern take” on the 1996 Olympic team leotard.

US Olympic athletes are an inspiration when they don the red, white and blue and represent their country with grace under pressure, in heartbreak, and in success.  Shannon’s Legends Inspired Workout Leotard is the epitome of patriotism.

Her design is rich with Navy Mystique, Red Mystique, and Silver Mystique echoing Old Glory.  The Stars & Stripes motif is perfected with clear rhinestone star transfers over the right side of the front bodice and right shoulder.

Shannon’s gymnastics career and personal life since retiring are reminiscent of the American spirit.  Not long after she and her husband welcomed their adorable son, Rocco, (now 2 years old and currently enrolled in Mommy & Me gymnastics class!)  Shannon was diagnosed with a germ cell malignancy, a rare form of ovarian cancer.  Shannon is now cancer free and she has remained open and public about her diagnosis and treatment.  Shannon is a role model to women everywhere who want to start or continue a healthy lifestyle.  She continues to be an advocate for making health and fitness a priority.  Professionally, Shannon has continued her own brand of success as President of Shannon Miller Lifestyle: Health & Fitness for Women and Host of the Health & Wellness Channel's The Wish List with Shannon Miller, a national show where Shannon makes dreams come true for men, women and children facing life threatening medical conditions.  She also is the Host of the Shannon Miller Lifestyle Radio Show in partnership with St. Vincent's HealthCare discussing a variety of health and fitness issues.  She has authored several fitness and cook books and produced multiple fitness videos and a specially designed work out mat.  Shannon is a sought after professional speaker and health and fitness advocate.

Shop the GK Gymnastic Legends Special Edition Catalog here!

GK. Choice of Champions.

Jim Davie felt very fortunate in 2001 when he was first appointed the GK Distributor for Australia and New Zealand.  At that time, GK was not well known in the two countries because the market was dominated by domestic manufacturers.  Now, with the best product in the world and a lot of hard work, Jim is able to claim that GK is the dominant brand in these markets, and the first choice of the vast majority of gymnasts.

Born in Scotland and educated in Rhodesia, Jim began his career in the field of law, but soon shifted into the business sector. He went on to hold senior marketing positions and was the CEO of major engineering companies in Melbourne, Singapore, and London.

In 1991, Jim established Northpac International, with the goal to import Dancewear and Swimwear from the United States. 

Jim is married and his wife, Brenda, manages the Administrative and Customer Service areas at Northpac.  Together, they have two adult sons, both married, and have 2 grandchildren. Stuart and his family live in Sydney and Andrew and his family live in Houston, Texas.

Jim was recently appointed GK's Co-Coordinator for the West Pacific area, a challenge he relishes due to his history of working in Asia. 

If you are in Australia or New Zealand and need gymnastics leotards for women, mens gymnastics apparel, or gymnastics leotards for children, contact Jim at northpac@bigpond.net.au.

Outside of Australia or New Zealand?  GK has International Distributors all over the globe.  Click here to find yours!

GK. Choice of Champions. 

GK has been part of every Olympics since 1992!  For two decades, GK has provided competitive gymnastics leotards, workout wear, and warm ups for artistic gymnastic teams and trampoline teams from all over the world.  The GK Olympic Tradition began at the Barcelona Games. 

GK was awarded the National Team Contract and outfitted the U.S. Olympic Team in competitive apparel for the first time.  GK manufactured both the warm-up and competition apparel for the U.S. Men's and Women's Gymnastic Teams.  As a result, the GK brand appeared on national television.  Pictures of our Olympians wearing the GK logo appeared in national publications and on the cover of "TV Guide."

The whole company was very excited for the Olympics and televisions were set up in conference rooms so employees could watch the games live while taking a break.  Let's take a look back at Shannon Miller in this video montage from the 1992 Barcelona games.  Shannon looks beautiful in GK! 

Do you have a favorite GK Olympic moment from 1992?  Share it with us below!  Need a gymnastic leotard for your future Olympian?  Shop for gymnastics leotards, apparel, and warm ups here!

GK. Choice of Champions.

It's official! GK is the Best Leotard Brand as voted by About.com readers for 2012!  GK would like to thank everyone who voted.  We received a majority of the votes garnering 69% of the total. 

Thank you for your support!

Be on the look out for our 2012 Competitive Catalog which is set to launch very soon!  In the meantime, check out our 2012 Spring Essentials Catalog!

GK. Choice of Champions.