“We were vibing out.” That’s how Jordan Chiles describes her first meeting with A’ja Wilson at a Nike event ahead of the Paris Olympics. Now, reunited for TIME’s annual Women of the Year issue, their conversation touches on the highs and lows of competition. And when the topic turned to Chiles’ Paris bronze, Wilson didn’t hide her reaction.

A’ja Wilson has cemented her legacy on the international stage. Breaking records for points and rebounds in the WNBA championships held in the Las Vegas Aces in 2022 and 2023. The two-time WNBA champion earned MVP honors in the women’s basketball tournament at Paris Olympics. Meanwhile, Chiles secured bronze in the individual floor exercise with her dynamic, Beyoncé-inspired routine after a successful inquiry led to a scoring adjustment. The medal was later rescinded—a decision that didn’t sit well with Wilson as well. What did she say?

Growing up in a basketball-loving family—one that admired the sport’s legends so much they named her after Michael Jordan. Chiles had watched Wilson’s rise in the WNBA for years. When asked if Jordan Chiles deserved the bronze in Paris, A’ja Wilson didn’t just answer—she shut the question down before it could even be debated! “Stop playing me. What kind of question is that? Yes. It’s a no-brainer. And I was pissed. Honestly, I prayed for you,” she said to Time. Wilson wasn’t just speaking as a friend, but as an athlete. She knew exactly what it meant to fight for what you deserve.

Clearly, Wilson wasn’t just upset. She was furious that her fellow American had been denied what she rightfully earned. But more than anything, she wanted to make sure Chiles didn’t let the disappointment weigh her down. “I know those moments are hard—and here I go, about to cry—you worked your ass off to get to that. I really prayed, not only because you’re my friend, but because I see you, I understand you,” the Olympic champion said. “It may look different because we’re in different sports, but you’re fully equipped, and God’s going to always have you no matter what,” she added. Wilson wasn’t just offering words of comfort. She was reminding Chiles of her worth, of the undeniable talent and resilience that no score change or medal revision could erase. And in that moment, it wasn’t about basketball or gymnastics.

But beyond the competition and the controversy, there’s another battle Chiles faces. The watchful eye of the public!

Balancing vulnerability and the weight of perception

When Jordan Chiles sat down for her TIME interview with A’ja Wilson, the 2x Olympian was asked about the pressure of being vulnerable in front of the public. That girl won’t tolerate the negativity anymore. “How I think of it is, if you’re going to sit there and critique somebody, try to get underneath their skin, then it’s something that’s inside of you that you’re not OK with,” she stated. The unfounded cheating accusations about her Paris floor exercise bronze led to racist hate hurled at her online. 2024 has tested her in ways that went far beyond gymnastics. Chiles has let her mother, Gina, be the bold voice defending her against the worst of social media.

Gina Chiles experienced pure joy as TIME recognized her daughter Jordan Chiles together with A’ja Wilson. Jordan’s recognition as one of the Women of the Year from TIME did not make Gina Chiles happy alone. She expressed equal affection for A’ja besides her daughter Jordan. Calling out the similarities between the two powerhouse athletes.“A’ja & Jordan are the same person…lol…just different altitudes,” she said on X. For Gina, seeing her daughter alongside A’ja on such a prestigious list brought both personal victory and community satisfaction as a Black individual.

Both athletes are incredible! Wilson won Olympic gold while breaking records, and Chiles displayed unquestionable strength under constant trials. Talk about her 2 perfect 10 scores at the 2025 NCAA season and a Gymnast of the Week honor! They are inspiring the future generations all the way. Let us know in the comments. What do you think about this?