Paris Olympics-bound Jordan Chiles is definitely living up to her namesake, NBA legend Michael Jordan. From collecting over 100 pairs of Nike Jordans to becoming a Nike ambassador, she’s embracing the MJ legacy. Fun fact: her mom, Gina Chiles, named her Jordan in honor of MJ’s iconic number 23. Jordan once shared, “She just decided, ‘You know what? I’m going to make my child after him and see where life takes her.'” And now, as the Paris Olympics approach, the worlds of the basketball icon and the 2x Olympian gymnast converged in a full-circle moment!

In a recent update on Jordan Chiles’ official Instagram account, it’s clear that she’s receiving significant support from the sports community ahead of the Olympics. NBA star Michael Jordan reached out with a message saying, “Hey Jordan, this is Michael Jordan. I am so excited to watch you win a gold medal. Here’s to wishing you nothing but good luck. Let’s catch up afterwards. Hope to see you soon MJ.” But that’s not all!

He added playfully, “Btw love the name,” in reference to their shared initials, MJ. Jordan Chiles shared her excitement on Instagram, expressing, “Y’all ain’t going to believe this one either Michael Jordan!!! My Olympic experience is only beginning, and I thank God everyday!!” Additionally, Jordan Chiles who has a great affinity for Nike’s Jordan line of shoes made in collaboration with Michael Jordan, once said that they are her “good luck charm.” This makes the shoutout from the man himself even more special since she’s idolized him from a young age.

Chiles’ gymnastics career began when she was just 6 years old when she enrolled into the Naydenov Gymnastics’ recreational class. She skipped levels 6 and 8 and qualified for Junior Olympic Nationals at just 10. By 11, she was already planning to compete in the elite level and joined the Junior US National Team. She first represented the USA at the City of Jesolo Trophy in 2014. Since then Chiles’ has made it onto two Olympics teams and won several world championship titles. But it was not easy.

Once in 2018, after finishing 11th at the US Championships, she considered quitting gymnastics. This is when Simone Biles stepped in and suggested that Chiles should train alongside her in WCC in Texas. Two days later she packed up from her home in Washington and started training under Laurent and Cecile Landi. Chiles, who had once only dreamed of making it onto a single team, is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for her journey to the Paris team. And she hopes to redeem herself from errs made at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. 

Jordan Chiles is reflecting on past mistakes to do better in Paris

Jordan Chiles had been consistently performing well in the lead-up to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. However, during the All-Around qualification round in Tokyo, she encountered challenges on multiple events. She received a deduction on the uneven bars for brushing her feet during a transition, and on the balance beam, she fell during her acrobatic series and had to place her hands down on the dismount.

Despite contributing to the USA team’s qualification for the final and their eventual silver medal, finishing behind the Russian Olympic Committee, Chiles was disappointed with her performance in the qualification round. She did not come close to securing a spot in any of the individual finals. Feeling heartbroken, Chiles vividly recalled calling her mom back in Houston, expressing her frustration.“I felt like, ‘This is crazy, I failed,'” Chiles reflected.

It was in that moment that she made the decision to set her sights on the Paris Games. But this time her heart is set in gold. Jordan Chiles has stated her goals for the Paris Olympics saying, “I’m going to put myself out there; I’m going to go do this and have an amazing time because I didn’t want to regret anything.” She also conveyed to AP that regardless of how her preparation for Paris unfolds, she has a clear understanding that certain aspects remain unchanged. “I am a world champion. I will forever be a world champion. I’m an Olympian. I will forever be an Olympian. Those titles will never be stripped away from me.”

The Team USA women have already hitting the gym hard and Chiles has been posting tons of videos from the Olympic camp, nailing those three back-to-back flips. These girls are pumped to give it their all this season. The chemistry and support in the group are incredible, crucial for a sport that’s both individual and team-based. Fans are rooting for them to bring home loads of hardware, especially gold in Paris. What do you think about Jordan Chiles’ journey in gymnastics and her full-circle moment with Michael Jordan? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!