Get to Know the U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team Traveling to Paris
Named after fellow sports great Michael Jordan, Jordan Chiles started her gymnastics journey at the age of 6. She progressed rapidly through the levels of competition, accumulating trophies along the way.
Despite her achievements, the 23-year-old did not always feel accepted.
“Every time I entered a competition, I wondered, ‘What criticism will I face this time?’” Chiles shared in a July 2024 interview with ELLE. “I experienced racial discrimination. I was constantly told, ‘You don’t fit the mold of a gymnast. You look like a man. You’re too muscular.’”
Feeling unwelcome in gymnastics, Chiles contemplated leaving the sport. However, a turning point came when Biles invited her to train at her Texas gym in 2018.
Reflecting on her struggles, Chiles shared, “I wish I could erase that chapter of my life, but it shaped me into the strong, confident person I am today. It took some time for me to regain my passion for the sport, but those experiences helped me discover my true self.”
Looking ahead, both athletes competed at the 2020 Olympics. Chiles stepped in for Biles during the team final and together they secured the team silver.
The UCLA gymnast gained widespread recognition for her flawless performance at the 2023 NCAA Championships, featuring a 90s hip-hop routine that earned her a perfect 10. She also clinched a spot at the 2024 Olympics with a routine inspired by Beyoncé.