“She is that girl!” While this phrase has become more associated with Jordan Chiles, the UCLA gymnast isn’t shy to share her title. Chiles pulled her weight as she helped Team USA bag gold in the 2024 Paris Olympics and is currently reveling in the achievement. But she believes Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade should get as much exposure.

Hauling a total of four medals in Paris, the Brazilian star proved her worth beyond doubt on the grandest stage last month. Soon afterward, the gymnastics community was flummoxed to learn that Andrade might be considering retirement from the All-Around (AA) competition in the future. Yet, Chiles wouldn’t be surprised if her opponent makes a return despite hinting at an All-Around retirement.

Jordan Chiles tips her hat at the Olympic gold medalist

Chicks in the Office recently caught up with the Bruin student-athlete and uploaded the interview on YouTube on September 4. There, Chiles talked about all the things that unfolded at the French capital and how despite being from the opposition camp, Andrade enthralled her with the latter’s skills. “…every time I see her compete, I’m like, ‘How do you do the things you’re doing?’ Like ma’am!” said Chiles nonchalantly, underscoring that Andrade is a talent who transcends borders with her phenomenal skills.

The 23-year-old went on to narrate her own feelings about how she thinks Andrade still has a lot to give to the fans and to the world. “I feel she’s not even done. Like I feel like, she still has more to like put out into the world,” Chiles confessed without beating around the bush. With that, she once again went ahead to affirm that no one can take away anything from the Brazilian gymnast who has carved out a name for herself in the sport thanks to her illustrious career and long list of achievements.

“Rebaca is just…she’s Rebeca!” Jordan couldn’t help but beam as she made her feelings of awe about Andrade clear further. While she returns home and lauds Andrade, fans can’t help but forget the inspirational moment that they got to witness on the podium after the women’s individual floor routine in France.

Spirited display at the Paris Games

The event was filled with drama. Andrade scored 14.166 to secure the top spot, while the USA’s most decorated gymnast, Simone Biles, couldn’t replicate her success from other events and settled for silver with 14.133 points. Controversy surrounded the third-place finisher. Initially, Romania’s Ana Barbosu was announced as the bronze medalist. However, after an inquiry raised by Team USA’s coach, Cecile Landi, led to an adjustment of one-tenth of a point to Chiles’ score of 13.666, the decision was overturned. After the medalists were crowned, the Americans turned to Andrade and kneeled in respect. The heartfelt moment was iconic, but Chiles’ ordeal had only begun.

Just five days after her achievement in Paris, Chiles was notified by the CAS and FIG that she would need to return her medal. The gymnastics regulatory bodies claimed that Landi’s inquiry had been submitted beyond the official time limit. A dispute followed, with every American stakeholder rallying to fight for her medal. Despite their efforts, Chiles ultimately had to relinquish her bronze medal to Barbosu. Nevertheless, it is reassuring for fans to see that she has handled the situation with grace and has not harbored any bitterness towards her colleagues.