Simone Biles has been the most dependent buoy in the last decade, keeping the Team U.S.A.’s gold medal aspirations afloat. Notwithstanding the fiasco at the Tokyo Games, the legendary athlete continues to inspire a new generation of gymnasts. In the current Olympic year, she is gearing up for redemption in Paris, where she is poised to rule on the mat once more.

In the meantime, her husband’s ludicrous comments have shattered her ubiquitous and emblematic status in gymnastics. “I didn’t know who she was” was Jonathan Owens’ pinching remark on her all-encompassing fandom. As the tumbling superstar is extinguishing fires sparked by her husband’s controversial remark, her gymnastics best friend’s strong support voice has emerged amidst the din.

Jordan Chiles takes a stand on Simone Biles’ behalf.

The din from the ensuing protests has reached the ears of Simone Biles’ best friend, Jordan Chiles. As the protests grew louder to condemn Jonathan Owens and his marriage to Biles; Jordan Chiles stepped forward to defend her friend’s honor with a sad reminder. The Olympic athlete recently spoke to U.S.A. Today to imply her complete support in favor of her touted gym mate. She said, “She’s the goat I don’t care what people say she is a legit the goat the people be saying all these crazy things and I’m like do you not understand as an athlete what she goes through?” Not waiting for the answer, Chiles proceeded to answer the question.

She revealed that Simone Biles is stretched in many directions due to her commitments beyond the mat and needs to appear at charity occasions or sit for an interview, which adds to her already demanding training schedule. Above all, Chiles highlighted the important role that Simone Biles plays in her life.

Jordan Chiles’ relationship with Simone

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles have developed a close friendship throughout the years of gymnastics training together. Chiles has credited Simone, stating, “If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be where I am now”. This rings true, as when Jordan was ready to give up on gymnastics, Simone encouraged her to keep going and brought her back into the training group. Their bond through the sport is unbreakable.

Read More: “Beyond Hurtful”: Heartbroken Over Unfair Snubbing, Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles Take Firm Stand for Little Gymnast

At 16 years of age, Jordan Chiles underwent a sudden change of heart. Unable to accept the pressures of gymnastics and “the expectations” mounting, she resolved to exit the program. Simone Biles comforted her with her wisdom and forced her to move closer to herself in Texas. Now, Jordan Chiles owes her success to her and cannot thank her enough.

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