Amid Black History Month, Jordan Chiles Reflects on Being an ‘Idol’ to Young Athletes: “I Can Live Upto Somebody”

In a sport often characterized by grace, strength, and precision, inspiring black gymnasts embody resilience and excellence both on and off the mat. Their journeys resonate with perseverance and passion, offering a beacon of hope and empowerment to aspiring athletes worldwide. As Black History Month unfolds, the spotlight shines brightly on the achievements and contributions of these champions.

In a quest to delve deeper into their experiences, USA Gymnastics engaged in a conversation with three remarkable athletes, Skye Blakely, Jordan Chiles, and Shilese Jones, to unravel the significance of their roles as inspirations for young Black athletes and posted this on their social site.

Jordan Chiles and star athletes inspire the whole world

In a recent interview posted by USA Gymnastics, Jordan Chiles, a stalwart of the American national team since 2013, shared her views. She consistently demonstrated excellence in her craft. For Chiles, the essence of her gymnastics journey lies in the “trickle effect” of inspiration and influence. She added, “I really love that, because it’s like, I can look up to somebody and be like ‘okay, this is what they’re doing, how can I fix it in a way that it’s me that’s doing it.” Alongside Chiles, Skye Blakely and Shilese Jones are symbols of perseverance and excellence. Their collective achievements elevate American gymnastics and foster a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

On a related note, in an Instagram story, Bethany MacLeod Carnes showcased her daughter Ingrid Ways, a young gymnast, alongside Skye Blakely, a rising star in the gymnastics scene. The image was accompanied by a heartfelt caption, “Ingrid always wanted her hair straightened for meets until she saw Skye! Thanks, Skye.” This proves that junior’s like Ingrid find Skye Blakely as their role model and want to follow the same path of excellence. Also, Skye Blakely has gained huge praise for her recent victory.

Gymnastic star leads Team USA to 7th consecutive world title

In a triumph witnessed globally, gymnast Skye Blakely spearheaded Team USA to a resounding victory at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Belgium. The United States women’s gymnastics team clinched its seventh consecutive world title, etching its name in the annals of sports history. Injured during the Olympic trials in 2021, she displayed remarkable resilience and bounced back in 2022, clenching her first world championship title.

Read More: After Jordan Chiles Fails to Make the Cut for World Championships, Olympic Gymnast’s Mother Drops a Reality Check

Now, with two team gold medals under her belt, Blakely expressed astonishment at the rapid realization of her dreams, emphasizing the unexpectedness of her achievements. However, Team USA is expected to continue to inspire a new generation of gymnasts worldwide, cementing their legacy as icons of the sport.

Watch this story: Inching Closer to Simone Biles and Shilese Jones, Gymnastics’ Rising Star Unveils Her Next Steps