The crowd saw eight UCLA senior athletes in their last dance at Pauley Pavilion against Stanford. The floor party will be more special as UCLA Gymnastics, led by Jordan Chiles, also won their Big Ten regular season championship last Sunday. The excitement was so high that Pauley Pavilion saw its record attendance. To what extent will you go to say goodbye to your favourite athletes on their last day? Well, wonder no more, because UCLA gymnastics fans just showed it.

In a post shared by an anonymous user on Twitter, Pauley Pavilion was jam-packed during the senior event. The tweet said, “Tonight’s @uclagymnsatics brought 12,918 fans into Pauley Pavilion – a new attendance record for the program. What a way for this senior class to say goodbye to the venue. A special night for sure.” The last time the arena saw such numbers was back on November 9, 2012, when 13,727 fans attended the grand reopening of the newly renovated venue.

The meet itself was just as thrilling, with Chiles leading UCLA to a 197.765-197.100 victory over Stanford. Fresh off the book launch of her memoir, I’m That Girl, Chiles showed no signs of fatigue, dominating the all-around with an incredible 39.750 score. She secured first place in every event except the balance beam, where she tied for second. Her resilience and leadership were on full display, proving why she remains one of the most influential figures in gymnastics today.

Senior gymnasts poured their hearts into their final performances, making every routine count. Chae Campbell revisited a cherished routine from her freshman year before sharing emotional moments with her teammates and coaches. “Chae’s floor routine was remarkable,” Chiles said, reflecting on the heartfelt farewell. Meanwhile, Emma Malabuyo left fans in awe with a stunning 9.950 on the beam. Following the meet, UCLA honored eight gymnasts in a touching senior meet celebration: graduate students Campbell, Carissa Clay, Frida Esparza, and Brooklyn Moors; seniors Mia Erdoes, Ana Padurariu, and Malabuyo; and junior Clara Wren, who is set to graduate early.

In the end, it was more than just a meet—it was a celebration of resilience, camaraderie, and the unwavering support of UCLA gymnastics fans. With a championship title secured and history made, the Bruins closed out their regular season on the highest of notes. For Jordan Chiles and her teammates, it was a night of emotions, achievements, and a fitting farewell to Pauley Pavilion’s senior class. The night was extra special for Chiles as she launched her book just hours before the meet.

Olympic Gold medalist Jordan Chiles hosts a successful book launch party

Just before UCLA’s final meet of the season, Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles hosted a spectacular book launch event on March 9, looking every bit like an ethereal goddess. The event was a grand success, drawing in familiar faces, including Isiah Hill, her choreographer BeeJay Das, and fellow gymnasts Emma Malabuyo and Sydney Barros, all there to show their support. Chiles’ newly released memoir, I’m That Girl, offers readers an intimate look into her athletic journey, sharing never-before-revealed details of her rise in gymnastics.

The book delves deep into the struggles and challenges that have shaped her career, blending personal insights with the triumphs and tribulations of an elite gymnast. The foreword, written by her close friend and colleague Simone Biles, adds a heartfelt touch to Chiles’ story. Notably, Chiles initially secured two medals at the 2024 Paris Games—gold in the team all-around event and bronze in the floor exercise final.

However, in August, she made headlines when the Court of Arbitration for Sport controversially stripped her of her individual bronze medal. Originally finishing fifth in the floor final, Chiles was awarded bronze after her coaches successfully appealed her difficulty score, making history as part of the first-ever all-Black podium in women’s gymnastics. Despite the later reversal, Chiles remains positive, stating that she is in a “much better place” than she was when the decision was first made.

Chiles’ book launch is more than just a celebration of her success; it’s a testament to her perseverance and ability to rise above adversity. With the support of her peers and fans, she continues to inspire the next generation of athletes, proving that her journey is far from over.