Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson and UCLA gymnast Jordan Chiles have been recognized as two of Time magazine’s ‘Women of the Year’, celebrating their dominance in sports and their impact on inclusivity in athletics.
The annual issue, published Thursday, highlights trailblazing women who have made significant contributions in their fields, with this year’s edition placing a special focus on women’s sports.
Wilson and Chiles made history in 2024, with Wilson leading Team USA to Olympic gold, becoming the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season, and securing a historic signature shoe deal, making her the first Black WNBA player since 2010 to have one. Chiles also had a standout year, helping Team USA win gold in the gymnastics team event at the Paris Olympics.
However, both athletes also faced challenges in their respective sports. Wilson reflected on the Las Vegas Aces’ failed attempt at a WNBA championship three-peat, which weighed heavily on her.
“Not getting the three-peat was hard,” Wilson told Time. “The regret is the hardest part that I’ve had to deal with in this offseason, because I’m like, ‘What could I have done differently to get a different outcome?’ When in reality, it just wasn’t our time.”
Chiles, on the other hand, endured controversy after being ordered to return the Olympic bronze medal she won in the floor exercise following a series of appeals. Despite the setback, she remains focused on her career.
“It was something that I had to just push through,” Chiles said. “I’m in college now, and I have the ability to perform my life away at UCLA. People are always coming to me and just being like, ‘You’re always going to be loved.’ So I’m now just able to take what I have, let everybody do the outside work, and just push myself forward.”
Championing Diversity in Sports
Both Wilson and Chiles have been vocal about increasing representation and diversity in sports. Chiles reflected on how much gymnastics has evolved since she was a young athlete.
“The diversity in our sport has obviously changed a lot,” Chiles told Time. “Knowing there weren’t a lot of women of color when I was younger, and knowing that I can help that—and I’ve been helping that—is really cool.”
Wilson echoed similar sentiments regarding Black women’s representation in basketball, especially after signing her signature shoe deal, breaking a 14-year gap for Black WNBA players.
Looking Ahead to the 2028 Olympics
The two athletes, who formed a bond leading up to the 2024 Paris Games, hinted at their potential return for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
“Mine’s not a yes, and mine’s not a no,” Chiles said.
Wilson responded with encouragement, saying:
“Mine is a better—you better. … She’s [Chiles] going to be there, too. See us in L.A.”
