Back at UCLA, Jordan Chiles Confesses True Feelings About NCAA Return: ‘I Honestly Miss’

Jordan Chiles is finally smiling! Otherwise, a fun-loving member of any team she is part of, Chiles’ time post the Paris Olympics has been quite somber. After all, no athlete would want to have their Olympic medal revoked after working so hard to win it in the first place. Competing in the women’s individual floor exercise, Chiles initially finished fourth. However, Team USA coach Cecile Landi challenged the decision and submitted an inquiry. 

After going through Chiles’ routine thoroughly, the judges approved the inquiry and raised the score. This was a crowning moment for the US gymnast, as she was promoted to the third position to claim the bronze medal. Unfortunately, the feeling of triumph did not last long enough for the 23-year-old. With the Romanian team challenging the decision in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the verdict came as a shocker. Such a setback pegged Chiles’ mental wellness significantly. Thankfully, her recent return to UCLA seems to have calmed her nerves. Chiles had mentioned earlier that she would come back to her college gymnastics and take a break from being an elite. 

Likewise, after coming back to UCLA, Chiles has finally been able to smile once again to her heart’s content. Making her first appearance for UCLA after a long time, Chiles seemed as excited as ever. Expressing her feelings, the Olympic gold medalist stated, “I’m so excited. I honestly miss Poly so much. Being a Bruin has mean everything to me, so it’s good to be back. Your girl is back. Your girl is back.”

Chiles was further asked as to how her Olympic experience will impact the team in the long run. The 23-year-old vowed that she will be trying to bring back the healthy atmosphere that she experienced in Paris to UCLA. Chiles also mentioned how she was always looking to have a lot of fun and etch these moments into her memories forever. But that’s not all. The Olympian also has a special message for her UCLA teammates. 

“I honestly miss every single girl on this team and being able to be a huge inspiration to them and also being able to be teammates. It’s really cool. Four is up all the way, and UCLA is my right of days,” said Chiles. Now, as she is looking to put her Paris setback behind her and move on, the 23-year-old gymnast is just not letting her fight for the Olympic medal subside as yet. After getting dismissed by the CAS, Chiles is taking things to higher levels.

Jordan Chiles continues her Olympic fight

The CAS ruling has placed Chiles in the fifth position in the women’s floor final list. While the USAG had repeatedly submitted an application to revisit their judgment, the Court of Arbitration has notified them about sticking to their original decision. Thus, with no other alternative left, Chiles has taken things to the higher authorities. According to recent reports, the Olympian has submitted an appeal to overturn CAS’ decision to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland.

In an official statement released by Chiles’ legal team on September 16, it was noted that the aim was “to overturn a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that stripped her of her bronze medal.” To make matters even more compelling, Team USA also claimed to have video footage where it can be allegedly seen that the inquiry was made well within the time limits. They have also claimed to have submitted the evidence for the purpose of an investigation. Thus, going through a mixed bag this season, Jordan Chiles hopes to turn things around as a fresh new season awaits.