The year 2024 hasn’t been very forgiving to Jordan Chiles. She has faced many troubles in gymnastics, affecting her mental health, and before that, in 2023, she also lost two of her beloved family members, her aunt Crystal Oliver and her grandfather Gene Velasquez. It has been a year since her grandfather passed away, and the gymnast still can’t believe she has lost one of her most crucial supporters in life.

So, on Velasquez’s remembrance day, November 24, Chiles’ mother, Gina Chiles, recalled her father just like she did every day after his passing and conveyed her feelings through a social media note. The gymnast’s grandfather was a big part of her family, and as it’s been a year since they lost such an important member, it’s common to mourn for a soul that always cheered them and stood by their side during not only the happiest moments but also the times when there was no light.

Gone but not forgotten

Last year, Jordan Chiles was in New York and was having a blast in the holiday season. In her social media posts, she also showcased the box of gourmet chocolates she received from Jacques Torres. However, this enjoyment of hers didn’t last long as she received a text that made her rush to the hospital. The message was about a concerning update on her grandfather, who was, at that time, in bed struggling with illness.

During Velasquez’s final times, Chiles was with him, but as cruel fate is, he passed away on November 24, 2023, at 8:44 pm. Chiles’ family didn’t make the news public until the gymnast herself announced it two days later, on November 26, with a series of emotional social media pictures, and one of them was an adorable family photo, having her grandfather on the left side. “I feel like this is all just a dream… but it’s not. I can’t believe you’re gone, Grandpa. I love you so much,” the gymnast stated and accepted her family member’s demise.

At that time, it was really hard for her to process all the clusters of emotions she was going through. And, currently, it’s been a year since Chiles’ grandfather passed away, but it’s still a difficult thing for her family to accept. Recently, letting all her emotions out, the gymnast’s mother, Gina, wrote an emotional note on her late father, stating, “A year ago today. Miss you dad. Everyday. Every single day. I think of you. Wish you were here.” Velasquez was an important part of the Chiles family, and even though it has been a whole calendar year, the memories still remain and will always be recounted in the coming days.

Chiles’ grandfather passed away during the holiday season, and it wasn’t easy for her family, nor her fans, who wanted to see the gymnast having a good time during Thanksgiving. So, holding up her emotions, the gymnast made an announcement, stating, “Although I spent my Thanksgiving at the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade and now in the hospital for my grandpa… I just wanted to say I’m thankful for all my friends and family members.” 

Keeping a heavy heart and accepting fate’s decision, Chiles acknowledged the support that she and her family received from the community during these harsh times. Furthermore, she included a pinch of gratitude for everyone who has been there for her in her journey. While physically her grandfather isn’t present to help her get through life’s troubles, Chiles revealed that she hasn’t forgotten the advice that he had shared with her.

Jordan Chiles recalls her late grandfather’s words

Recently, for the first time, Jordan Chiles appeared in a TV interview amidst her Paris Olympics medal controversy. She joined Hoda Kotb from TODAY, and the host wanted to know about the emotions that have been going through her during such troubling times. Stressing on her late grandfather’s advice to deal with “tough situations,” she said, “Everything happens for a reason. There’s reasons on why you’re the person you are. There’s reasons on why people look up to you.”

Physically, he isn’t present with her grandchild anymore, but she won’t ever forget the memories and the pieces of advice he has left. She knew she worked hard for her Olympic campaign, and even if her hard work was taken away from her, she had faith that what fate had for her in store would come eventually. While she fights for her medal with the FIG and CAS, there’s a lot for her in the upcoming 2025 season. There are a ton of events to participate in, and Chiles can bring in more medals, not only for her but for the United States.