Aly Raisman always had the back of her fellow USA gymnast, Jordan Chiles. When the breaking news hit the internet explaining the final verdict from the CAS, Jordan Chiles’ life came to a standstill. After winning her medal, Jordan was busy appearing for multiple interviews and explaining how great it felt to be an Olympic champion. When she learned that her individual floor bronze stands void, Chiles went into a mental shock. She somewhat shut herself off from the outside world and went into a shell of her own to cope with the shock.

And as her Olympic medal controversy continued, Chiles got steady support from the likes of Simone Biles and Aly Raisman. While Biles helped her come out of her initial shock, Raisman too took a stand for the 2024 Olympic gold medalist. Criticizing the scoring system in Paris, Raisman seemed frustrated and confused with the entire fiasco. Voicing her support for Chiles, Raisman stated on the Today Show back in mid-August 2024, “But Jordan deserves answers. It honestly makes no sense to me. I’m very confused by the process that’s happening right now.” 

Announcing her return to NCAA gymnastics right after the Paris Olympics, Chiles is enjoying her time in the Bruins leotards at the moment. And Raisman is once again extending her heartfelt wishes for Chiles. Opening up on how much of an impact someone like Chiles would have on the NCAA realm, Raisman pointed to the immense elite experience that she brings in. The former Olympic champion also stated that the vibrant energy of Chile rubs off on her teammates, creating a field of positive energy among them. 

“I feel like Jordan not only brings the amazing vibes everywhere she goes in collegiate gymnastics, but she’s also had such a massive impact on the elite world. And watching her have so much fun in elite gymnastics and the way that she rubs off on her teammates—it’s amazing to watch it, and I’m so proud of her,” Raisman stated. Surely, Chiles does have a new role designated for her this year. Speaking with USA Today Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon back in mid-December 2024, Chiles spoke about helping the freshmen shrug off their initial jitters. 

Supporting and cheering for the budding gymnasts, the Olympian would bring in all her experience to nurture them and help them grow into future stars. However, as Chiles looks to propel the Bruins to the top of the NCAA this season, her Olympic rival from Romania is here to challenge her once again!

Chiles’ Romanian rival announces her NCAA debut

It was Ana Barbosu with whom Jordan Chiles’ bronze fiasco started back in Paris. The bronze medal went to the Romanian gymnast initially, then to Chiles, and eventually to Barbosu again. And while the heat from the controversy has not yet settled, a surprising revelation caught the US gymnastics realm off guard. Aided by ‘Crazy Rich Athletes,’ Ana Barbosu made her transition to the NCAA by signing up with Stanford. 

Back on January 8, 2025, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation announced the news officially. And while the duo does not hold any personal grudges, the prospect of the duo going against each other in the NCAA once again will surely intrigue the fans. And while the gymnastics world is buzzing, the Romanian gymnast has spilled the beans on the challenges she is facing in her transition. 

“I had two visits to universities in the US,” Barbosu stated in an interview with Vorbitorincii. “After the second one, I decided to talk to one of the faculties and say that I wanted to go there. Now I have to do the application, which is extensive. I have to take a language test, and I will see what else I have to do,” added the Romanian further. Thus, with things looking quite interesting for the NCAA gymnastics with all the hype, it remains to be seen how well Jordan Chiles and Ana Barbosu can thrill the audience while displaying their exquisite antics on the mat.