2024 has been a year of incredible highs and lows for Olympian Jordan Chiles. After qualifying for Paris, Chiles helped Team USA reclaim their team all-around crown, winning her first Olympic gold. However, Chiles’ first individual medal win turned into an international controversy involving the USA, FIG, and the Romanian Gymnastics Federation.

While the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) ultimately ruled against Chiles, the ace gymnast continues to fight the decision with the backing of USA Gymnastics. Despite facing borderline racing remarks questioning her worthiness to win the medal, the Olympian made a comeback and got ready to compete again. However, the gold medalist has turned official hype woman for her college gymnastics team before the 2025 season begins.

Jordan Chiles cheers and motivates the newcomers at her alma mater

With the 2025 NCAA gymnastics season right around the corner, colleges nationwide are in their pre-season phase. During the period, nearly every team takes part in exhibitions aimed to test the form of seniors and newcomers alike, alongside the synergy of the team and the kinks that need to be ironed out. UCLA is no different as it held its exhibition in December 2024.

UCLA Athletics gave fans a unique perspective on the event through the eyes and voice of Jordan Chiles. In their latest Mic’d Up episode on YouTube, fans finally got to see the much-anticipated return of the Olympic gold medalist. “I love being back! Pauley’s (Pavilion) is about to be lit!!!” exclaimed the Olympian, hyping up the gymnasts at the Meet the Bruins event.

The video captured every cheer the 23-year-old Olympic champion directed at her fellow UCLA gymnasts during their routines. Meanwhile, the World Champions Center gymnast ingeniously turned her Mic’D Up episode into mini interviews with freshman Bronwyn Hoffman, and Carissa Clay, a transfer from the University of Kentucky.

“Well, it’s my first time in Pauley. I feel good,” said Hoffman when Jordan Chiles asked her about her experience. Meanwhile, Carissa Clay gave a far more emotional answer. “I feel like I could cry,” said Clay, when asked about performing in the UCLA uniform for the first time. It’s this emotional attachment that brought Chiles back.

Why Olympic gold medalist returned to UCLA?

Jordan Chiles had stepped away from college gymnastics to train for the Olympics. However, the 23-year-old doesn’t want to waste the rest of her eligibility just because she now has an Olympic gold medal. “I am returning back to UCLA to represent the Bruins for my two remaining years of college,” the former Pan-Am Games champion announced in August.

However, this isn’t the only reason behind why the Olympian is returning to college gymnastics. At 23, the two-time Olympic medalist has a lot of space to grow, and the fiercely competitive NCAA landscape will provide Chiles with the opportunity. Furthermore, the Olympian is looking to take advantage of the NIL privileges in college gymnastics.

“I am always ready to do as many deals possible,” said the gymnast, who has already helped UCLA rake in substantial NIL revenue. However, the most important reason behind her return may be to re-discover her love for the sport. After the ordeal in Paris, the CAS ruling, and inline bullying, Jordan Chiles is hoping to return to her roots, and once again enjoy competing on the mat.

However, the fact that her presence would also motivate other young gymnasts at UCLA is a bonus. The YouTube Mic’d Up episode already showed a glimpse of the Jordan Chiles effect at UCLA. Now, the Olympian hopes that her presence will continue to inspire everyone.