Jordan Chiles, a gymnastics icon who has been a shining star in the Olympic arena thanks to her stupendous performances. She has also been able to weather the stormy world of personal and professional difficulties with equal grace. Known for her unshakable grit and undeniable talent, Chiles now stands at the precipice of a new chapter in her career. However, as she is ready to return to UCLA Bruins, her journey speaks to overcoming obstacles and embracing opportunities. What lies ahead for this trailblazer, and how has her recent experience shaped her path forward?

Chiles’ comeback to collegiate gymnastics is followed by a whirlwind year marked by both backlash and unwavering support. The head coach of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Janelle McDonald, has also shared her excitement over Chiles’ return. She is all geared up to write her future in gymnastics, and McDonald has shown excitement over her return. What does McDonald have to say about Chiles’ return to the UCLA Bruins?

Jordan Chiles will be back after a whirlwind year

Jordan Chiles’ Paris Olympics has been a roller coaster ride for her. The USA team bagged gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics, having Chiles by their side; however, her individual floor routine turned out to be disappointing. Despite winning the bronze, when coach Cecile Landi submitted Chile’s injury, it thwarted Ana Barbousa from third place. But the shining moment soon became a dull one; Romania took it to the Court of Arbitration, and shocking waves came through the decision. CAS said Landi was late to submit the claim, and Chiles’ was asked to give the bronze medal to Ana Barbousa. It must be a mental trauma for Chiles, but moving on is the best thing one can do. Jordan Chiles has done the same.

Jordan Chiles declared her return to UCLA in August; she announced her return to compete for the Bruin gymnastics team for the 2025 NCAA season. Recently, UCLA Bruins head coach Janelle McDonald appeared on a podcast called ‘All Things Gymnastics,’ and she didn’t shy away from praising Chiles and also showed her excitement over Chiles’ return. She goes by saying, “Jordan Chiles was literally such a bright, shining light of these Olympic Games. That was my advice to her: just remember those moments and the impact you had there, and hopefully, all this gets settled in a positive way.”

Janelle also mentioned how Chiles’ return will boost her confidence and joy in her life. She said, “I think getting her back in school and competing with the team will hopefully spark some great joy and also some consistency because she’s been on a whirlwind adventure since the Olympics.” McDonald further added, “I’m just so excited to have her back and see the impact she’s going to have on this year’s team and NCAA gymnastics in general.” McDonald’s words of praising Chiles has made her smile amidst the controversy, and setbacks.

Overcoming backlash, Chiles is ready to write her journey ahead

Jordan Chiles made history in the NCAA, as she became one of just three collegiate gymnasts to win three or more Olympic medals and joined her 2024 teammates—Suni Lee of Auburn and Jade Carey of Oregon State. When Chiles joined the UCLA Bruins after the 2020 Olympics, she helped lead the team with 432.775 points in the 2022 season.

Jordan Chiles helped the USA team to win gold, but due to the late submission of her injury, an individual bronze medal slipped from his bucket list. Post 2024 Paris Olympics, Chiles had to face a lot of trolling due to the bronze controversy, but she faced it with grace and calm. She gave a message, “I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow not just to me but to everyone who has championed my journey.” Although Chiles got support from her fans amidst the racist attack.

Chiles made her debut in 2013 with American Classic, and she won a bronze in all-around and a silver medal on vault. She won three golds in the Pacific Rim Championships of 2018 for vault, floor exercise, and with the team. She even bagged two golds and one silver in NCAA championships while representing UCLA Bruins—for uneven bars, floor exercise, and all-around, respectively. Chiles is known for her unshakable grit and undeniable talent; Chiles now stands at the precipice of a new chapter in her career. What lies ahead for this trailblazer, only time will tell.