Jordan Chiles: The New Face of American Gymnastics 

Jordan Chiles was named after basketball legend Michael Jordan. Her parents, Timothy and Gina Chiles, recognized her athletic potential early on. As a young child, she displayed an affinity for gymnastics, and by the age of six, she had already begun training seriously in the sport. Her early talent and dedication led her to become one of the most promising gymnasts of her generation.

Chiles’ competitive career took off when she joined Naydenov Gymnastics, a training facility in Washington known for developing elite athletes. She quickly made a name for herself as a junior elite gymnast, showcasing powerful skills and impressive competition consistency. Her strength, agility, and dynamic performance style set her apart from her peers.

In 2013, at just 12 years old, Chiles qualified for the Junior International Elite level and competed in the P&G Championships. Over the next few years, she gained national attention for her commanding presence on all four apparatuses: vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise. Her standout performances secured her a spot on the U.S. National Team.

Jordan Chiles transitioned to the senior elite level in 2017, and her career trajectory continued to rise. That same year, she won the all-around title at the City of Jesolo Trophy in Italy, establishing herself as a formidable contender in international gymnastics. Her powerful tumbling, strong vaulting ability, and engaging floor routines made her an exciting athlete to watch.

Despite her talent, Chiles faced challenges in the highly competitive U.S. gymnastics landscape. With teammates like Simone Biles and other world-class gymnasts dominating the scene, she struggled to secure a spot on major international teams. Nonetheless, she remained committed to improving her skills and refining her technique.

By 2019, Chiles sought a fresh start and moved to Spring, Texas, to train at the World Champions Centre, the gym owned by Simone Biles’ family. Under the guidance of coaches Laurent and Cecile Landi, she honed her routines and gained newfound confidence. This decision proved pivotal for her career.

Her breakthrough moment came in 2021 when she won the all-around title at the Winter Cup, becoming the first woman to do so in over a decade. She continued her impressive run at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships, finishing third in the all-around behind Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee. Her consistent performances earned her a coveted spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the Tokyo 2020 Games (held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

At the Tokyo Olympics, Chiles played a crucial role in helping the U.S. women’s team win the silver medal in the team event. When Simone Biles withdrew from the team final due to mental health concerns, Chiles stepped up under immense pressure, delivering solid routines on vault, uneven bars, and balance beam. Her resilience and composure earned her widespread respect and admiration during this critical moment.

Although she did not compete in any individual event finals, her contributions to the team’s success solidified her reputation as a clutch performer and a dependable teammate.

Chiles transitioned to collegiate gymnastics after the Olympics, joining the UCLA Bruins in 2022. Competing in the NCAA allowed her to showcase her artistry and athleticism in a more relaxed yet highly competitive environment. She quickly became a fan favorite for her expressive floor routines, clean execution, and infectious energy.

Chiles’ presence in NCAA gymnastics coincided with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, allowing her to profit from sponsorships and endorsements while competing at the collegiate level. She signed multiple endorsement deals, further cementing her status as a marketable and influential athlete.

Beyond gymnastics, Jordan Chiles has become an advocate for mental health awareness, diversity in gymnastics, and athlete empowerment. She has spoken openly about the importance of mental well-being, drawing from her experiences in elite gymnastics and the pressures of high-level competition.

As a Black gymnast in a sport historically lacking diversity, Chiles has also used her platform to promote inclusivity and representation. She has credited her support system, including Simone Biles, for helping her navigate the challenges of being a high-profile athlete.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Jordan Chiles played a pivotal role in the success of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team. Competing alongside Simone Biles, Jade Carey, Sunisa Lee, and Hezly Rivera, Chiles contributed strong performances on all four apparatuses—vault, uneven bars, balance beam, and floor exercise—helping the team secure the gold medal. 

In the individual events, Chiles qualified for the floor exercise final, where she initially finished fifth. Her coach submitted an inquiry regarding her routine’s difficulty score, which was accepted, elevating her to third place and awarding her the bronze medal. However, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation contested the timing of the inquiry, arguing it was submitted past the one-minute deadline. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of the appeal, leading to the reallocation of the bronze medal to Romania’s Ana Bărbosu. Chiles and USA Gymnastics have since filed an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, seeking to overturn the CAS decision. 

Despite the controversy, Chiles’ performance in Paris was instrumental in the U.S. team’s gold medal victory, underscoring her resilience and dedication to the sport.

Her journey—marked by perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering determination—serves as an inspiration to young gymnasts and athletes worldwide. Regardless of where her career takes her next, Jordan Chiles has already cemented her legacy as one of the most dynamic and influential gymnasts of her era.