“Not Like Everybody Else”: After Years of Stigma, Jordan Chiles’ Candid Response on Being Gymnast of Color Resurfaces

So, let’s drive back to the time when three American women gymnasts exuded ‘Black Excellence’. By the parlance of elite gymnastics, it’s hard to fathom that the sport isn’t all rose-tinted glasses. In the US, though being black isn’t atypical, they still face distinctive challenges at every step in life. Especially, the women who pursue a career in gymnastics. The star gymnast unfurled great insights on her apparent “unconventionality”.

Jordan Chiles, the woman of colour who anchored her team to gold at the 2023 Pan-Am Games, hasn’t had a smooth ride. Having started getting familiar with gymnastics at age 7, the reality hit later, followed by some unpleasant instances. But after she recognized her tribe, she identified herself beyond all obfuscations. Shedding some light on this matter, Chiles brought her fellow black women along for a podcast.

Jordan Chiles’ treading the path of truth

Jordan Chiles joined her fellow history makers for a candid conversation with Team USA. At the 2022 US National Championships, Konnor McClain, Shilese Jones and Chiles swept the podium. On such a sight to cherish, fans dropped by with words like “Black Girl Magic”. But the journey to the top was especially tough for the 22-year-old who oftentimes got preoccupied with the truth that she’s “not like everybody else”. A snippet of the Team USA podcast resurfaced, and the Olympian handpicked her quotes for her Insta story.

When the Team USA interviewer had asked Chiles about her elite entry into a not-so-inviting sport for black athletes, she opened up. “But then by the age of 16 is when I realized, okay, wait, there’s something not connecting the right way.” were her exact words verbatim. She reflected on her mom Gina’s words and quoted, “Your hair is not the same, your body colour… your skin type… and that made more sense.”

Over the years, Jordan Chiles has learned to embrace her “imperfections”, own her persona and became a worldwide phenom. But once, even her coaches tried to dwindle her morale.

Chiles faced lashes from her coach

In an episode of Taraji P. Henson’s Facebook Watch series Peace of Mind With Taraji, the 22-year-old went candid on the non-glittery side of gymnastics. Countless athletes have been victim to toxic practices, which therefore dismantled their mental peace. One similar incident happened with Chiles too. “So I had a coach verbally abusing me. “She called me ‘fat.’ She said I ‘looked like a doughnut.’ To the little-littlest things that people asking me, ‘Oh, you’re eating this today”, she recalled.

READ MORE: Jordan Chiles Takes “Hype Woman Duties” Outside Elite Gymnastics in Adorable Update

Chiles words went like, “didn’t know who I was. I was trying to be other people that I wasn’t,” after these incidents took a toll on her mental health. But later, on seeing Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka enlighten, she gradually regained confidence. Breaking free from her mold, she continues to inspire.

Watch this story: Days Before Her Grand Return Simone Biles Behind-the-Scenes Video Showcases a Powerful Fall