You’d think athletes who represent the country are off-limits when it comes to personal attacks. But your naivety would be wrong. Stars in the limelight are often the easiest targets for people who enjoy shaming others for their appearances. Even the flagbearers of the nation who have represented the USA on the grandest stage aren’t immune to such scenarios, and Jordan Chiles can attest to that.

The 23-year-old Olympic medalist has always had to struggle to find her place among her peers. While her bestie Simone Biles has always stood firm in her corner, others haven’t always been so supportive of Chiles’ journey to stardom.

In a recent article by Pop Sugar, Chiles came forward with her experience with body-shaming. The Bruins gymnast noted that her weight has always been a talking point for many of her colleagues and that she had to grow up a little to understand what was happening behind her back. The taunts came from everyone, even her coaches. And yet, even when she spoke up about it, she was met with mixed comments.

“I had some good feedback and bad feedback,” said Chiles, elaborating that the bad feedback came mostly from her teammates. She narrated that while some people did acknowledge her experience with genuine surprise, others were quick to give her coach a hall pass. “Oh, she never did that to me,” exclaimed many, who Chiles had to remind that the story was about herself and not them.

However, luckily, the lion’s share of feedback was more considerate of her feelings and attempted to soothe the pain she had to endure. “Great job that you were able to speak about what you went through; it’s only going to help others.” Chiles was commended for being brave for the sake of every person around the world who has had to undergo such traumatic experiences. However, body shaming isn’t the only thing that has made life miserable for Jordan.

Jordan Chiles’ path has been wrought with potholes, but help came through

In 2018, Chiles was left out of the national team for the World Championships despite her second-place finish at the 2017 nationals. The exclusion was justifiably a blow to the Washington native’s guts, and she seriously pondered the option of quitting gymnastics for good. However, a vehement supporter emerged in the form of Simone Biles who brought Jordan to Texas to train together at the World Champions Centre. There, Simone took up the role of a support system that has since become a pillar in Chiles’ return to the highest level of competition. The two have formed an inseparable bond and always find ways to hype each other up when they are at their lowest points.

However, the experience of body shaming has always been a trouble for Chiles to navigate through, but she is slowly learning to be comfortable in her own skin. “What’s helped me navigate that is understanding I’m human and I’m a woman and in order for me to be able to perform, I have to be well-nourished,” the artistic gymnast said.

With the Olympic Team Trials just around the corner, it remains to be seen if Jordan’s newfound confidence can help her claim a spot in Team USA once again.