Jordan Chiles Reflects on Her UCLA Gymnastics Journey and Embraces New Opportunities
U.S. Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chiles Prepares for Final Home Meet at UCLA
U.S. Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles is set to compete in her final home meet with UCLA this Saturday, reflecting on her journey and the memories forged alongside her teammates.
Chiles, who made headlines in January by earning her first perfect 10 on vault, began her gymnastics career at six years old. Although she recognized her talent early on, it wasn’t until she turned 13 that she began envisioning a future in gymnastics, ultimately aspiring to compete in the Olympics.
“Every time that I did go into the gym, it was really like, OK, this is your priority. You’re dedicated to this,” Chiles commented, emphasizing her commitment to the sport.
In 2021, her dedication paid off when she made her Olympic debut at the delayed Tokyo Games. She returned to the world stage in 2024 at the Paris Olympics, where her Beyoncé-inspired floor routine drew significant attention, including a special acknowledgment from the singer herself, who gifted Chiles a framed vinyl of her “Cowboy Carter” album.
“That just made me realize, like, I am being seen out of my own industry,” the 24-year-old gymnast expressed. “It means a lot because, as an athlete, you never know what happens, because we’re always in this small bubble and we never can really see what’s on the outside of that bubble.”
Chiles was initially awarded a bronze medal for her routine, but it was later rescinded after a ruling repositioned Romania’s Ana Barbosu to third place. The controversy surrounding the medal is currently under review by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, following a Swiss court’s decision to examine new evidence that may allow Chiles to reclaim her medal.
Chiles and Barbosu recently faced each other at an NCAA meet, where Chiles was seen cheering for Barbosu as she performed her floor routine, showcasing a spirit of sportsmanship.
“Ana is a remarkable gymnast, and I’m not going to take that away from her,” Chiles remarked. “At the end of the day, we support each other. Sportsmanship is the biggest thing in the sport, and showing that and showcasing that, that’s what I wanted.”
As Chiles approaches her final competition, she expressed an emotional farewell to her UCLA teammates and coaches, vowing to cherish their shared experiences.
Looking ahead, Chiles plans to focus on her SHERO Athlete Collective, a mentorship program for female athletes. Additionally, she aims to explore opportunities in acting and fashion, with a dream of one day attending the Met Gala. While she hasn’t yet envisioned her outfit, she is eagerly anticipating the chance to walk the iconic staircase.
