The Jon M. Huntsman Center was buzzing on Saturday night, March 15, 2025. A packed crowd of 15,558 gathered to witness a fierce showdown between UCLA, the Big Ten regular season champion, and Utah, the Big 12 regular season champion. The rivalry was intense, the stakes were high, and with Utah celebrating Senior Night, emotions ran even deeper. But beyond the competition, another story unfolded—a tale of friendship and history. One was Jordan Chiles, and what about the other?

Two gymnasts stood across from each other, bound by more than just this meet. Teammates at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, they once chased gold together. In 2022, they both scored their first perfect tens in the same collegiate meet. And on this night, one of them achieved her first perfect ten of the season. The first to celebrate her? Jordan Chiles. A hug, a shared moment, a reminder that some bonds go beyond rivalries. But who is this gymnast? Here’s a hint: she is a senior in Utah gymnastics. 

The Red Rocks’ senior finds applause from her old mate 

“She’s not leaving us yet!”—those five words from Utah Gymnastics’ X-handle said it all. On Saturday night, in front of a roaring crowd at the Jon M. Huntsman Center, Grace McCallum delivered a moment of pure perfection, scoring her first perfect ten of the season on the balance beam. And it couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. Facing No. 4 UCLA, a team with its eyes locked on a national title, Utah needed something special. And the Minnesota native came to her team’s rescue on her senior night! A clutch routine, flawless execution, and when that perfect score flashed on the screen, the crowd exploded. The Red Rocks’ senior night had its defining moment. But amidst the celebration, one moment stood out—the sight of Jordan Chiles, waiting in line to congratulate her old friend. 

The two Olympians, bound by history and respect, shared a heartfelt hug. It wasn’t about UCLA vs. Utah in that moment—it was about friendship, admiration, and the beauty of sports. But when it comes to Chiles herself, we are sure she has had better nights. The UCLA star, known for her show-stopping performances, faced an off night. A few missteps, a few moments of imperfection—rare for someone of her caliber. And as fate would have it, Grace McCallum was the one to end UCLA’s dominant nine-match winning streak. But nobody can say for sure that the Utah senior is done with her team already and that this was her last dance ever. 

McCallum just isn’t done with Utah yet. While her competitive career ends this season, the 22-year-old Olympian will return as a student coach next year, continuing to shape the legacy of the Red Rocks. So, if Jordan Chiles stays in college gymnastics next season, these two could meet again on this very floor, in this very rivalry, in this very arena. The next chapter? Still unwritten. But on this Saturday night, Grace McCallum owned the moment and Jordan Chiles saw some question marks. Why so?

Jordan Chiles faces a major question mark on her future appearance on the mat 

Saturday night at the Jon M. Huntsman Center was already a tough pill to swallow for UCLA fans. The Bruins, chasing a perfect run into the postseason, saw their nine-match winning streak shattered by a relentless Utah squad. But just when the heartbreak seemed complete, Gina Chiles’ X-post sent another wave of concern through the gymnastics world.

“Seeing worried comments—Rest is always good, but just for clarity—she fell off her scooter in the rain and hurt her tailbone this week…” Wait, what? A scooter accident in the rain? Just days before one of the biggest meets of the season?

For those who had been watching closely, the signs were already there. Jordan Chiles wasn’t her usual self on Saturday night.

• Before her floor exercise, she was seen limping.
• During the routine, she under-rotated on her passes, leading to deductions.
• In the beam rotation, she was ultimately pulled from the lineup.

It was clear—she was pushing through pain. With the Big Ten Championships looming, this isn’t the kind of setback UCLA wants to deal with. Yet, the Bruins’ camp has remained tight-lipped, offering no official updates on Jordan’s condition. So, is it serious? Or is it just one of those knocks that an elite athlete grits through?

For now, fans can only wait. But one thing is certain—Jordan Chiles is a fighter. And if she gets the chance, expect her to flip the script when it matters most.