Southern Nevada product and LSU national champion gymnast Kailin Chio joins Team Nike as Blue Ribbon Elite athlete

Nike and LSU are extending their five-decade partnership, introducing a new era of athlete-centered innovation and collaboration to Baton Rouge, with Southern Nevada product Kailin Chio representing gymnastics.

Per the Nike site, the extension through 2036 deepens the longstanding relationship between Nike and LSU.

With the extension, Nike is introducing its Blue Ribbon Elite: a first-of-its-kind program that reimagines the NIL space through unmatched collaboration with athletes and schools, beginning with LSU.

Nike’s partnership with Blue Ribbon Elite athletes and their respective universities will reach far beyond brand representation, with hopes of inspiring the student body and community to collaborate through brand campaigns, product innovation and creative direction.

Chio made a splash in her debut season with the Tigers, earning numerous accolades en route to being considered the nation's top freshman.

After competing in all four events in her collegiate debut on Jan. 3, 2025, Chio was named SEC Freshman of the Week.

On March 14, 2025, Chio earned her first collegiate perfect 10 on vault in a meet at Auburn.

Chio, who was the 2025 SEC Freshman of the Year, scored a 9.975 on vault to win the national title outright.