“Love the name!”, said Michael Jordan to elite gymnast, Jordan Chiles. Why did he say that? Because Jordan Chiles wasn’t just born to shine in gymnastics—she was named after the GOAT himself! Her mom, a die-hard MJ fan, knew no name could be better. And Jordan? She’s been living up to it ever since. But her connection to the basketball legend goes beyond just a name.

Beyond the medals and the Olympic spotlight, there’s another side to the UCLA Bruins superstar—one that’s inked in personal meaning and powerful tributes. Whether it’s a nod to her gymnastics journey, a demonstration of durability, or a tribute to the greats who have been formative in her life, Chiles’ tattoos communicate a narrative that is as stunning as her play on the floor or bars. The way Chiles’ fans keep wondering about her performances on the gymnastics mat and her tattoos always reflects a trait of her personality, being a tribute to MJ; it reflects her journey. Let’s take a closer look at the tattoos that make Jordan Chiles’ story even more compelling.

Does Jordan Chiles have tattoos?

Jordan Chiles isn’t just decorated with medals—she’s covered in ink that tells the story of her journey. The two-time Olympian who has over 30 tattoos always expresses her love, inspiration, and life highs through the images on her skin, each of which has particular significance to her. Her tattoos are more than mere designs—they’re chapters of her journey, blending her passions, beliefs, and milestones. And it all started with a rose.

Jordan Chiles’ first tattoo was a blooming rose on her forearm. She posted the picture hand-in-hand with Simone Biles on Instagram and showcased her ink for the first time. Since then, her collection has only grown, be it on her forearm or back. But that’s not all—Jordan Chiles has even more ink, some tucked away in places only a few glimpses reveal. Behind each ear, she sports delicate tattoos, adding to her ever-growing collection.

Jordan Chiles also has a ribcage piece, though its details remain a mystery, as well as a script tattoo along her mid-back that’s tough to decipher. Some designs may stay under wraps, but one thing’s clear—every tattoo tells a story, whether we can read it or not! She proudly sports the iconic Olympic rings on her arm—a symbol of her hard-earned place among the world’s best. There’s also a fierce tiger, representing strength, and the angel number, 444, tattooed on her left bicep.

Apart from these, the Olympic medalist has a tattoo behind the right ear—a small, black heart it is. And the left ear? It’s a rose flower inked, which isn’t very clearly visible due to its location. Jordan Chiles isn’t just a gymnastics powerhouse; she’s also a canvas of personal stories and inspirations, each inked onto her skin. Among her collection of tattoos, the Olympic rings tattoo on her right arm shows her dedication and achievements in gymnastics. Her shoulder is dotted with stars, while a delicate bow sits elsewhere, adding a touch of elegance. A sleek one-line design wraps around her upper arm, contrasting with the bold red flame tattoo she sports. On her wrist, a cross serves as a reminder of faith, while the phrase “One Day at a Time” graces her forearm. Just above, “Patience” is inked onto her hand—perhaps a nod to her journey in gymnastics.

Words carry deep meaning for Chiles. “Everything Happens for a Reason” is inked on her body as a personal mantra, while “Energy” decorates her triceps. “Little Sunshine,” “Honey,” and “Divine” are scattered across her skin, reflecting different aspects of her personality. Her hands also feature subtle but striking pieces, including “PR” and “AY” on separate fingers, forming the word “PRAY,” along with a simple “XO” tattoo. From butterflies to flames, each design on Chiles’ body represents her resilience, passion, and individuality—just like her gymnastics. What about back tattoos?

Jordan Chiles’s Back Tattoos

From meaningful quotes to intricate designs, Chiles’ tattoos are more than just ink; they’re a reflection of the athlete, the fighter, and the dreamer she is. One of her most striking pieces is the yin-yang koi fish tattoo gracing her spine. This design, often associated with balance and harmony, reflects the dualities she navigates in her life and sport. Complementing this, she also has two profound quotes on her back: “You have struggled… you have overcome,” and a Bible verse from Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for you,” both serving as reminders of her resilience and faith. But gymnast stars’ tattoos are not limited to their back.

Beyond the rings, Chiles has adorned her left hand with an array of tiny jewels made of ink. These delicate designs grace her index and pinky fingers, as well as the area below her ring finger, adding a touch of sparkle and personal flair to her look. ​Each of these tattoos tells a story, reflecting her journey in gymnastics and personal style and the milestones she’s celebrated along the way. But certain tattoos stand out from the rest and for good reason!

Honoring the ones who matter: the Jordan Chiles way

For the 23-year-old, tattoos are more than just letters and drawings on the skin- they hold personal value for the gymnast. Therefore, it’s hardly surprising that she chose to immortalize her grandfather through a tattoo, always keeping him close even after he left her behind to transcend the earthly realm. In memory of her grandfather, who passed away in 2023, Chiles has a tattoo on her left forearm—“Where ‘you are, I have been. Where I am, you will be.'” There are other tattoos that honor the people who matter to the gymnast.

Perhaps one of her most personal tattoos is the number “23” on the back of her arm, a direct homage to her namesake, Michael Jordan, who donned jersey 23 for the greater part of his illustrious career. This ink not only honors the basketball legend but also signifies the legacy she aspires to create in her own right.

Not only the back of her arm, but Jordan Chiles also has a tattoo on her front arm. Don’t be surprised; she has a lot of tattoos on her body. One of them is the word “Golden” carved next to the flower bouquet inside her upper left arm. And not so surprisingly, it seems to be a twin tattoo with her friend Simone Biles. And how does that connect? Well, because Biles also has the same word carved on her left wrist in cursive writing to commemorate her first Olympic win.

Each tattoo on Jordan Chiles tells a story, weaving together her personal experiences, inspirations, and the values she holds dear. While Jordan Chiles Olympic bronze medal controversy gave her heartbreak, she is resilient enough to move forward in style.