“Can She Make the Team?”: Tagged Underdog, Jordan Chiles Opens Up on Pushback During Her Gymnastics Career

Jordan Chiles, the renowned American artistic gymnast, has regrettably withdrawn from the Winter Cup because of a minor shoulder injury. Despite missing this event, Chiles’ position on the U.S. senior national team remains secure, unaffected in her pursuit of competing in the nationals and vying for a spot on the U.S. Olympic team for Paris. However, beneath her outwardly strong and confident demeanour lies a foundation built upon years of unwavering dedication, moulding her into the formidable athlete she stands as of today.

Chiles’ journey rise came after winning a silver medal in the team event at the 2020 Summer Olympics. However, her path to greatness wasn’t sans challenges, as she recalls, “I was the underdog.” Recently, she disclosed insights into the hurdles she faced to secure her spot on the Olympic team. She shares one commonality with her teammate Biles though, and that is the universal sojourn of struggle they both underwent.

Jordan Chiles’ monumental leap from an underdog to US’s shining talisman

In a recent interview with Athletics magazine, Jordan Chiles reflected on her journey as an underdog striving to prove herself on the Olympic stage. Recounting the doubts, “Can she make the team?.” She acknowledged the weight of those thoughts lingering in her mind amidst the relentless pursuit of her dreams. However, Chiles defied the odds and silenced sceptics by finishing third at the U.S. trials in the summer of 2021, trailing behind Simone Biles and Suni Lee. Her dedication led her to become the only gymnast to flawlessly execute every routine in the four major domestic competitions leading up to the Tokyo Games.

Yet, despite her unwavering determination and impeccable track record, Chiles faced unforeseen challenges when the world watched in utter rapture. Mistakes on her beam and bars routines during the Tokyo Olympics dashed her hopes of qualifying for any individual event final. However, when Biles withdrew from the competition because of the twisties, Chiles found herself unexpectedly thrust into additional events during the team finals. Despite the pressure and adversity, Chiles rose to the occasion, delivering commendable performances that ultimately contributed to Team USA’s silver medal victory. But credit for her success is attributed to the support and tutelage of Simone Biles.

From tears to triumph -Chiles’ shocking revelation

At a certain juncture in Chiles’ life, the activities she once found joy in tumbling and bouncing through the gym became a source of anguish. She has candidly revealed the challenges she faced with a coach, whose name she opts not to disclose, and who subjected her to emotional and verbal torment. Like many young girls in similar situations, Chiles felt compelled to tolerate this mistreatment. Constantly belittled for not conforming to the image of the picture-perfect gymnast, she not only lost her confidence but also, as she puts it, “I lost my voice.”

Read More: “Inappropriate Pictures Sent to Me”: Jordan Chiles Opens Up on Disturbing Cyber Bullying as a Child

Chiles revealed that it was Biles who suggested she relocate and train with her in Texas, a decision made in 2019 that proved pivotal in saving Chiles’ career and reigniting her passion for gymnastics.

Continue reading: While Simone Biles Sits Out, ‘Frustrated’ Jordan Chiles Backs Out From Gymnastics Winter Cup 2024