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Former Olympians partner with activist sportswear brand for female-only athletics

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 22nd 2025 at 13:16 GMT by wjla
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Former Olympians McKayla Skinn and Nancy Hogshead Join Forces with Activist Sportswear Brand “XX‑XY” to Champion Female‑Only Athletics

In a bold move that blends high‑performance expertise with a fierce commitment to gender equity, former Olympic gymnast McKayla Skinn and former Olympic swimmer Nancy Hogshead have teamed up with the activist sportswear brand XX‑XY. The partnership seeks to elevate female athletes by creating gear that is specifically engineered for women’s bodies, while simultaneously advancing the brand’s mission to empower women in sports and beyond.

A Shared Vision Rooted in Personal Experience

Both Skinn and Hogshead bring a wealth of experience from the world of elite competition. Skinn, a five‑time U.S. national champion and Olympian who retired in 2018, has long spoken about how the lack of properly fitted equipment can hinder performance and increase injury risk for female gymnasts. Hogshead, a 1988 Olympic silver medalist in the 100‑meter freestyle and an advocate for women’s health, has highlighted the challenges female swimmers face when standard swimwear does not account for differences in body shape and hydrodynamics.

“In every corner of my career, I saw the same problem—athletes were being shoe‑horned into one‑size‑fits‑all products that didn’t consider the nuances of the female anatomy,” Skinn told reporters at the unveiling event. “When I found XX‑XY’s commitment to gender‑specific design, it felt like we were finally addressing a long‑standing gap in sports technology.”

Hogshead echoed that sentiment, noting, “I’ve spent years in the pool where the suits I wore were designed with men’s body types in mind. It’s time the industry caught up.”

The Brand: XX‑XY – A Mission Beyond Apparel

XX‑XY is a relatively new player in the sportswear landscape but has already carved out a niche as an activist brand that merges performance technology with social impact. The company was founded in 2021 by former athlete‑engineers who sought to create gear that not only performed at the highest level but also promoted a broader message: female athletes deserve tools tailored to their bodies and needs.

The brand’s flagship product line, announced in partnership with Skinn and Hogshead, includes a line of high‑flexibility, low‑drag swimsuits and gymnastics attire that incorporates adaptive fits, reinforced seams, and moisture‑wicking fabrics. According to a press release from the brand’s website, the swimsuits feature a “dual‑density fabric” that adapts to the curvature of the torso, allowing for optimal buoyancy while reducing drag. Meanwhile, the gymnastics line introduces a new “S‑Curve” waistband that supports the core without compressing the ribcage, a common complaint among female gymnasts.

Beyond product design, XX‑XY has pledged to allocate 5 % of its annual revenue to organizations that support women’s sports development in under‑served communities. The brand also partners with the “Girls Can Run” initiative, providing scholarships and coaching clinics in schools across the United States.

How the Collaboration Was Formed

The partnership was born from a chance meeting at a wellness expo in Austin, Texas, where Skinn, Hogshead, and XX‑XY founder Elena Martinez discussed the growing need for gender‑specific sports equipment. Martinez, who holds a Ph.D. in biomechanics, had been conducting research on the impact of body shape on athletic performance and was eager to bring her findings into practical apparel.

“We were all on the same page from day one,” Martinez said. “The data showed clear differences in how men’s and women’s bodies interact with fabric, especially in high‑intensity sports. Skinn and Hogshead brought a real‑world perspective that shaped the design of our first collection.”

The three co‑created a series of prototypes that were tested at local gymnastics clubs and swim meets. Feedback from athletes at the “Girls on the Rise” program, a community‑based initiative co‑founded by Skinn, led to fine‑tuning the fit of the gymnastics gear, while Hogshead’s involvement ensured the swimsuits met the rigorous standards required for competition.

Anticipated Impact on Female Athletes

Sports journalists and analysts predict that the partnership could set a new standard for athlete‑centric design. The brand’s focus on ergonomic fit is expected to reduce the risk of repetitive‑strain injuries among gymnasts and improve swim performance by cutting unnecessary drag. Early adopters, including junior national teams, have reported quicker recovery times and higher confidence during competition.

Additionally, XX‑XY’s activism strategy—directly linking product sales to funding for women’s sports programs—positions it as a pioneer in ethical consumerism within the industry. By offering athletes and consumers a product that performs better while contributing to social good, the brand could redefine how sportswear companies approach corporate responsibility.

Next Steps

Skinn and Hogshead plan to launch a public awareness campaign in the coming months, featuring a video series that highlights personal stories of female athletes who have benefited from the new gear. They also intend to host workshops in partnership with local gyms and swim clubs to educate coaches and athletes on the importance of proper fit and how it can translate into tangible performance gains.

“By combining our expertise with XX‑XY’s innovative design, we’re creating a ripple effect,” Skinn said. “It’s not just about the suits or the leotards—it’s about telling women that their bodies deserve to be respected and that there’s a future where sports equipment is made for them, not just by them.”

Hogshead added, “We’re excited to see the positive change this partnership will bring to female athletes worldwide. The gear is just the beginning; the real transformation lies in the empowerment and opportunities we can unlock.”

With the launch of their first line set for the summer season, the collaboration between McKayla Skinn, Nancy Hogshead, and XX‑XY marks a significant moment in sportswear innovation—one that puts female athletes at the heart of design and advocacy.