Coming Full Circle, Jordan Chiles’ Bond with Aly Raisman Crucial to Paris Olympics Victory

“And, you know, my dream was just making it to one, but knowing that I was able to make it to two just makes it even better,” said Olympic silver and three-time world medalist Jordan Chiles about qualifying for her second Olympics. It seems to sun has risen on Jordan Chiles after all, illuminating the way forward for her. Just hours after making the team for Paris, Jordan met with her mentor, Alexandra ‘Aly’ Raisman. Raisman, a six-time Olympic medalist with three golds, two silvers, and a bronze herself, brings much-needed comfort to Jordan amid grueling competition.

In the lead-up to the Paris Olympics, Jordan Chiles’ journey has been marked by perseverance and determination. At the very heart of her preparation is a bond with Raisman that is as enduring and beautiful as it can get. As Chiles aims for Olympic gold, Raisman’s guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping her path to success. How far does their symbiotic connection in gymnastics go?

Jordan Chiles, a queen herself, has a benefactor behind her 

In a recent interview with Olympics.com, Jordan Chiles revealed how Aly Raisman is her good luck charm. When asked what she thinks of before going onto the mat, Chiles told Raisman, “You know how you always told me I was your good luck charm? I always think of you when I’m out on the competition floor. Because truly, honestly, Aly, you inspired not only just me, but a lot of girls out here.” And Raisman most definitely has been a beacon of hope. Right from her vociferous stance on the Larry Nassar systemic abuse case to whatnot, she’s been someone Chiles has always had in her corner. The two have a close mentor-mentee relationship. Especially since Raisman captained the US women’s gymnastics team through 2012 to 2016, becoming the first American to win a gold in the floor exercise in 2012. 

Even Jordan’s mother has revealed how Raisman was always a source of great comfort and inspiration for her daughter. She revealed how Raisman would always make a note to call Chiles to her room before a competition. This was because Raisman always felt a sense of peace with Chiles. Gina Chiles also mentioned Chiles has a natural ability of making people feel safe. About the interview, she took to Twitter writing, “I absolutely love this. Aly has been a mentor to Jordan for years.” When Raisman asked “besides trying to get medals,” what will make Jordan the most proud, Chiles replied, “I think the biggest thing that’s going to make me most proud is knowing that I never gave up and I never doubted myself, or regretted anything.” So, Simone Biles? You have a worthy adversary as your own teammate.

Chiles is training extensively to make a mark at the Olympics this time around. Last time in Tokyo, she was part of the team that won silver. This has just motivated her to do even better after missing out on the gold by a hair’s breadth. Additionally, she had been dealing with an eating disorder and she lost her grandfather Gene Velasquez and her aunt in the past year. However, she has battled through the odds. She has continued training steadfastly under the welcoming fold of Laurent and Cecile Landi at the WCC owned by Simone Biles’ mother. 

Chiles has often referred to them as her second parents. Apart from the rigorous training processes, this time around, she has put great emphasis on mental well-being. She is determined not to succumb to external pressure and has taken the help of a sports psychologist to prevent any mental breakdowns. As per her motto, “I’m that girl,” she has been intentional about finding joy in gymnastics again. This is what will propel her to victory in Paris, apart from the spirit of Raisman residing with her. 

Jordan Chiles shatters the glass ceilings of the gymnastics world

Jordan Chiles has consistently delivered good performances in the events that act as qualifying rounds for the Olympic team trials. At the 2023 US Gymnastics Championships, she finished 5th in the all-around despite having 2 above 14 scores. This was because on day two, despite landing the double-twisting Yurchenko, she fell both on bars and beam, ending with a score of 107.750. Chiles also took a break from competing to focus on her mental health after the nationals. During this time, she traveled to Hawaii with her friends and took a well-deserved break.

She returned to the Core Hydration Classics this year, where she placed third overall in the all-around and also tied for third place on the uneven bars. This was a marked improvement from her previous performances. At the Xfinity Games, Chiles again came third with a score of 55.45, she scored 14.3 on the uneven bars, coming 2nd in the event in a Beyonce-inspired leotard. During the trials, she came third after Simone Biles and Suni Lee. Her highest scores were recorded at 14.350 and 14.325 in the uneven bars and floor exercise.

On the second night she scored a 14.6 on the vaults. She will be joined by Simone Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera. Jordan said, “I think we are just going to you know, cherish each other’s time together and those memories and kind of take it to next level.” She will face off against stiff competition from Brazil’s Rebecca Andrade, China’s Tang Xijing and Canada’s Ellie Black. However, this time Chiles is more prepared than ever before.