Jordan Chiles: The Unstoppable Force in Gymnastics and Life

A Life of Non-Stop Motion: Jordan Chiles’ Journey

Jordan Chiles is no stranger to time zones, schedules, or the demands of being a world-class athlete. Sitting in a hotel conference room near the University of Maryland, she matter-of-factly declares, “Time zones don’t affect Jordan Chiles.” This statement encapsulates her life: a whirlwind of flights, competitions, appearances, and responsibilities that would exhaust even the most seasoned traveler. Just days before, she had been in Los Angeles, then jetted to Las Vegas for a Time Magazine “Women of the Year” photoshoot, and then arrived in Washington D.C. to tour landmarks like the Washington Monument and the World War II Memorial. Yet, the next day, she delivered a flawless performance, scoring a perfect 10.0 on the uneven bars at a packed University of Maryland meet. This kind of stamina and focus has been her reality since she first stepped onto the international gymnastics stage at just 12 years old.

But beneath the surface of her glowing performances and relentless schedule lies a more complex story. Chiles’ life since the 2024 Paris Olympics has been a dizzying mix of triumph, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The bronze medal she initially won on the floor exercise was stripped due to a controversial scoring decision, sparking an ongoing legal battle. Despite the chaos, Chiles continues to balance her NCAA gymnastics career at UCLA, sponsorships, public appearances, and her own mental well-being. Her journey is a testament to resilience, proving that even the most polished athletes face deeper struggles behind the scenes.

The 2024 Olympics: Triumph and Heartbreak

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked a defining moment in Jordan Chiles’ career, but it was also a time of immense emotional turmoil. During the floor exercise final, Chiles’ score was initially listed as 13.666, which seemed to place her just outside the podium. Moments later, her score was revised to 13.766, propelling her into third place. The arena erupted as she celebrated with her coach, Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, and later stood on the podium alongside Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade, becoming one of the first three Black gymnasts to share an Olympic podium.

However, the joy was short-lived. Six days later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that her coach’s inquiry to review the score had been submitted four seconds too late, leading the International Olympic Committee to reallocate the bronze medal to Romania’s Ana Bărbosu. The decision left Chiles reeling, stripping her of not only a medal but also a piece of her identity. “It took away the recognition of who I was,” she said. Her legal team has since appealed the ruling to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, arguing that video evidence proves the inquiry was submitted in time. The case remains unresolved, leaving Chiles and the gymnastics world in limbo.

Finding Herself Again: The Aftermath of Paris

The months following the Olympics were some of the most challenging of Chiles’ life. She immersed herself in a whirlwind of activity, from appearances on the Today show to the Gold Over America Tour, where she performed alongside Simone Biles and other elite gymnasts. While fans saw her dancing, smiling, and waving on stage, the reality behind the scenes was far darker. Chiles struggled with depression, isolating herself on the tour bus, crying herself to sleep, and questioning her purpose. “Those days were the hardest of my life,” she admitted. “I didn’t want to be seen. I didn’t want to be in a place where I felt like I was going to disappoint the area because the energy wasn’t going to be good.”

Despite her internal struggles, Chiles found solace in small moments of joy. She rediscovered her love for Disney movies, drew on her iPad, and bonded with her castmates, including Biles, who became a source of comfort and support. Over time, these moments of connection and creativity helped her regain her footing. “She can leave the old one that’s trying to be depressed behind her,” she said of herself. “She has other things to do. She doesn’t have to be stuck.”

Rediscovering Joy and Purpose

As Chiles navigated her emotional journey, she also threw herself into her college gymnastics season at UCLA. Her performances have been nothing short of exceptional, earning her multiple perfect 10.0 scores, including one on the uneven bars in Maryland and another on the floor exercise in a nail-biting victory over Michigan State. Her Prince-inspired floor routine, complete with an air guitar solo, has become a fan favorite, exuding the joy that had eluded her in the months following the Olympics. “It’s hard to watch her without a smile on your face,” said UCLA coach Janelle McDonald. “You see the determination that she’s put into her sport and her craft for all of these years.”

Chiles’ success extends far beyond the gym. She has launched a signature leotard collection, starred in Nike’s first Super Bowl ad in decades, and even published a memoir. Her ability to balance these endeavors while competing at the collegiate level has inspired countless fans. “On days where I’m tired and I feel like I can’t keep going, I’m like, ‘OK, if Jordan can go to five states in two days, then I can get up for work today,’” said her roommate and teammate Margzetta Frazier.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Redemption and Redemption

While Chiles’ legal team continues to fight for reinstatement of her bronze medal, she remains focused on the present. Her sights are set on helping UCLA secure its first national championship since 2018, and she is determined to complete a career sweep of NCAA titles after winning gold on bars and floor in 2023. Her future beyond college is less certain, though she hasn’t ruled out the 2028 Olympics. “I am still that girl and will forever be that girl,” she said with unwavering confidence. This declaration isn’t just a statement of ambition—it’s a reaffirmation of who she is, both as an athlete and as a person.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Jordan Chiles

Jordan Chiles’ story is one of unparalleled resilience and determination. From the highs of Olympic glory to the lows of heartbreak and self-doubt, she has consistently proven her ability to adapt, grow, and push forward. Her journey reminds us that even the most accomplished athletes are human, grappling with challenges that extend far beyond the playing field. As she continues to rewrite her story, Chiles remains an inspiration, not just for her gymnastics, but for her courage, joy, and unwavering belief in herself. “Period,” she says, and there’s no arguing with that.