Jade Carey’s Remarkable Comeback on Olympics Vault Following Mishap
Named after fellow sports great Michael Jordan, Jordan Chiles started gymnastics at the age of 6 and quickly progressed through the levels of competition, adding more trophies to her collection along the way.
Despite her achievements, the now 23-year-old did not always feel accepted.
“Every time I entered a competition, I wondered, ‘What are they going to say this time?’” Chiles shared in a July 2024 interview with ELLE. “I faced racial discrimination. I was constantly told, ‘You’re not the typical gymnast. You look like a man. You’re too muscular.’”
Feeling like she was not wanted in gymnastics, Chiles admitted that she contemplated leaving the sport. However, Biles extended an invitation to her to train at Biles’ gym in Texas in 2018.
Looking back, Chiles expressed, “I wish I could erase that chapter of my life, but it has shaped me into the person I am today. Those experiences made me stronger, more self-assured, and helped me discover my identity. But it took some time for me to regain my passion for the sport.”
Fast forward to a few years later, both athletes competed at the 2020 Olympics, where Chiles stepped in for Biles during the team final, resulting in them winning the team silver medal.
The UCLA gymnast also gained widespread attention for her flawless performance at the 2023 NCAA Championship, set to 90s hip-hop music, and secured her spot at the 2024 Olympics with a routine inspired by Beyoncé.