Six months after a turbulent Olympic experience in Paris, two-time Olympian Jordan Chiles is reclaiming her confidence and leadership as she guides UCLA gymnastics toward the NCAA Championships.
The 23-year-old gymnast, known for her electrifying floor routines, delivered a clutch performance in a crucial conference meet against Michigan State, helping the No. 6 Bruins secure a dramatic victory over the No. 5 Spartans.
Chiles, still recovering from illness, struggled on the uneven bars earlier in the meet but regained her composure for the final rotation on floor. UCLA trailed Michigan State by seven-tenths of a point, requiring near-perfection to clinch the win.
As the anchor of the Bruins’ lineup, Chiles took center stage with her Prince-inspired floor routine and delivered a flawless performance that ignited Pauley Pavilion. Her perfect 10.0 score sealed the victory and reinforced her role as a team leader in UCLA’s quest for its first national title since 2018.
A Return to Collegiate Gymnastics and Redemption
Chiles’ return to UCLA after the Olympics was not just about competing but about healing from the emotional toll of having her Olympic bronze medal controversially revoked.
Despite standing on the podium in Paris alongside Simone Biles and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, a delayed appeal from the Romanian federation led to the Court of Arbitration for Sport stripping her of the medal.
The ruling, which centered around a timing technicality in an inquiry by U.S. coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi, remains contested, with Chiles and her legal team pursuing further appeals through the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.
The backlash following the decision was immediate and intense. Chiles faced a barrage of online criticism, forcing her to step away from social media and public appearances.
“I was mentally gone, mentally not OK,” she admitted.
However, the unwavering support of her family, teammates, and the gymnastics community has played a vital role in her resurgence.
A Symbol of Strength and Leadership
Now, back at UCLA, Chiles is not just competing—she’s inspiring. Her presence in the gym extends beyond performance; she motivates teammates, offers guidance, and reinforces a culture of resilience.
Senior Emma Malabuyo, a fellow 2024 Olympian, highlights Chiles’ ability to balance energy and empathy: “She knows when to hype us up and when to remind us that we belong here.”
Chiles’ floor routines have always been a spectacle, blending artistry with power.
After the emotional weight of her Olympic routine, she chose Prince’s music to symbolize a fresh start.
“Artistic gymnastics is about beauty and art, and Prince was an icon,” she explained. “This new routine lets me express everything I’ve been through.”
Her impact extends beyond the college arena. With NIL deals, red-carpet invitations, and sponsorships, Chiles has become a prominent figure in gymnastics and beyond.
She recently starred in Nike’s first Super Bowl ad since 1998 and was honored as one of Time’s Women of the Year.
Despite the glitz, her primary focus remains on the NCAA Championships, where she aims to lead UCLA back to national glory.
The Road to Nationals
UCLA’s season, which began outside the top 10, has seen a dramatic turnaround under Chiles’ leadership.
With their Big Ten Championship secured, the Bruins enter the NCAA regionals ranked No. 5, determined to cap off an already emotional season with a championship win.
For Chiles, the journey is about more than redemption—it’s about defining her legacy on her own terms.
“Every struggle, every tear, every setback—I conquered,” she says.
With the nation’s eyes on her once again, Chiles is proving that she is, indeed, still ‘That Girl.’
