Five days in, the wildfire sweeping through Los Angeles has already left 16 people dead, destroyed thousands of homes, and devastated large areas of land. What started as a contained fire quickly spiraled out of control, fueled by 80 mph winds and dry conditions. Amid all this destruction, Jordan Chiles is heartbroken but remains hopeful. After helping UCLA win their second NCAA meet, she, with her team, poured their heart into her performance, dedicating it to LA and showing the city strength in the face of crisis.

After a tough start to the season on January 4, Jordan Chiles bounced back in her second NCAA meet with a performance that not only showed her skills but also sent a powerful message to those impacted by the LA wildfires. She hit the floor with a near-perfect 9.975, just 0.025 away from a perfect 10. This routine helped lead UCLA to victory over Kentucky, Ohio State, and Arkansas, with the team finishing with a score of 197.550. Her performance wasn’t just about the win—it was a tribute to the resilience of LA.

Even Gymnastics_now shared the Chiles performance on Instagram, calling it “Did it for LA,” which hit home. It was more than just a score—it was a powerful tribute to LA, showing that no matter how bad things get, there’s always hope after the storm. Even head coach Janelle McDonald also weighed in on the win, sharing how meaningful it was, especially with all the challenges the team and the city are facing. With the Palisades Fire causing so much disruption, including UCLA extending remote learning through January 17, the athletes were dealing with real fears about their families and homes.

Yet, they managed to step up, and McDonald couldn’t have been prouder. “I think that there are a lot of people going through a lot of heartache and hardships right now in LA,” she said. “If we can spread a little bit of joy in a tough moment, that’s what we wanted to do.” McDonald also emphasized how important it was for the team to push through and compete with so much heart and joy, especially after such a tough week. At the same time, UCLA makes it clear that they genuinely care about their athletes. The university ensures that their well-being is always a priority, supporting them through difficult moments, both on and off the mat.

Jordan Chiles’ UCLA takes action to ensure student safety

UCLA is doing everything it can to make a difference in this tough situation, even amid the devastating Palisades Fire. With the fire threatening nearby areas, the university made the crucial decision to extend remote learning through January 17 to ensure students’ safety. This move is impacting both undergraduate and graduate courses, but it’s necessary as the fire continues to grow, having already burned over 38,000 acres and left thousands of homes in danger. UCLA isn’t just focusing on academics, though; they’re also actively supporting their health staff, who’ve been treating wildfire-related injuries.

Despite the challenges, UCLA is staying resilient. The community is staying informed and ready, with evacuation orders and warnings in place. Even big events like the women’s basketball game have been postponed for safety. The school is keeping students updated and making sure everyone stays vigilant, prioritizing the well-being of their campus and the surrounding areas. It’s a reminder that even in hard times, the Bruins are stepping up to support each other and their community.