Perfection is rare in gymnastics! But UCLA came breathtakingly close, holding the hands of Jordan Chiles. UCLA has just etched its name into the Big Ten record books with a historic showing. Last Saturday night at Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Bruins secured their first-ever Big Ten Women’s Gymnastics Championships title with a staggering score of 198.450. The highest team score ever recorded at the conference meet. But the win wasn’t without drama.

While UCLA’s dominant performance was punctuated by a trio of perfect 10s, one routine in particular left fans and experts debating whether the judges missed a key deduction. Jordan Chiles’ floor routine, though awarded a perfect score, drew scrutiny from those who noticed a potential flaw in her signature tumbling pass. A slight pike down on her double layout.

Jordan’s routine was part of an electric night for the Bruins, which also saw perfect 10s from Brooklyn Moors on the floor exercise and Ciena Alipio on the beam. The trio’s flawless performances propelled UCLA past defending champion Michigan State (198.150) and Minnesota (197.425), solidifying the Bruins’ grip on the conference crown in their first year of Big Ten competition.

However, not everyone agreed with the judges’ assessment of Jordan’s routine. According to College Gym News, Chiles’ double layout features built-in deductions due to the pike down at the end. A technical flaw that typically results in a 0.05-point deduction. “Chiles has a built-in deduction with her double layout, as she almost always pikes down to finish,” the article by College Gym News noted. It was further explained, “To be fair, it’s very fast and would be hard to see from the opposite side of the floor, so I understand why this deduction is rarely (if ever) taken.”

Despite this observation, the judges awarded Chiles a perfect 10.0. And the decision sparked debate among gymnastics insiders. Jordan’s execution of the double layout is undoubtedly impressive. But, the question remains whether her form truly warranted a flawless score. However, despite all debacles and setbacks, Chiles is making sure that overcoming all of it she is leading her team to the top.

Jordan Chiles’ dominance at UCLA remains unstoppable as she leaves behind her Olympic setback

Jordan Chiles isn’t letting an Olympic setback define her! The UCLA star has been a force this season. And recently, she even earned her sixth Big Ten Gymnast of the Week honor. Jordan has been leading UCLA with commanding performances, helping the Bruins secure key wins and climb to a No. 3 national ranking. Her consistency and leadership have made her the centerpiece of UCLA’s success.

“She’s just on another level right now,” UCLA coach Janelle McDonald said. Chiles’ dominance has been evident across all events, with multiple first-place finishes and a growing list of individual victories. Her latest honor brings her career total to 11 conference Gymnast of the Week awards, highlighting her impact since joining UCLA. Despite the disappointment surrounding her Olympic bronze medal, Jordan’s ability to thrive at the collegiate level speaks volumes about her resilience and talent.

For UCLA, the controversy surrounding Chiles’ score didn’t overshadow the team’s overall triumph. The Bruins’ 198.450 shattered the previous Big Ten Championships record, highlighting their depth and consistency across all four events. With the conference title and the regular-season crown secured, UCLA enters the postseason as a formidable contender for the national championship.