Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles is set to release her first memoir, I’m That Girl, offering an unfiltered look at her gymnastics career and personal journey.
Published by Harper Influence, an imprint of HarperCollins, the memoir is slated for release on March 4, 2025, and will feature a foreword by fellow Olympic icon Simone Biles.
A Candid Exploration of Gymnastics and Beyond
Chiles’ memoir will chronicle her rise in the competitive world of gymnastics, starting from her debut with Team USA at the junior level in 2013 at just 11 years old.
Through her story, she will share the challenges of navigating a sport that demands both physical and psychological endurance.
The book will delve into the racism Chiles faced as a Black gymnast in a predominantly white sport, her struggles with body image and eating issues, and the high-pressure environment of elite competition.
Chiles will also reflect on key moments in her career, such as stepping in for Biles during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when Biles withdrew due to the “twisties,” and her experiences in the controversial 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
A Battle for Justice
One of the book’s focal points is Chiles’ bronze medal controversy from the 2024 Olympics. On August 11, Chiles was ordered to forfeit her medal after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that her coach’s score correction came four seconds too late.
The decision followed an appeal by the Romanian gymnastics team.
Chiles has since filed an appeal with the Federal Court of Switzerland, presenting video evidence she believes proves the timing was within the rules.
In a statement shared on HarperCollins’ site, she described the ordeal as “one of the most challenging moments of my career.”
Speaking to CNN, Chiles addressed the resilience required in the face of setbacks:
“Things may be stripped from you, and you’re going to have to deal with that. But you also need to fight for what you’re fighting for.”
Becoming ‘That Girl’
Fans have affectionately dubbed Chiles “That Girl,” a title she has fully embraced. Her memoir’s title reflects this moniker, encapsulating her authenticity, tenacity, and unwavering spirit on and off the mat.
The gymnast has also credited her deep bond with her Team USA teammates, particularly Biles, whom she regards as a “big sister.”
Publisher’s Praise
Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President and Publisher of Harper Influence, expressed excitement about the memoir.
“From the moment I met Jordan Chiles, months before the 2024 Summer Olympics, I was impressed with her heart, her authenticity, her enthusiasm, and her powerful storytelling,” Sharkey told People.
With I’m That Girl, Chiles hopes to inspire readers to embrace their challenges, celebrate their victories, and find strength in their authentic selves.
