Jordan Chiles Hints at Following BFF Simone Biles’ Steps After Gold Win at Paris Olympics

Jordan Chiles might just be leaving elite gymnastics for her NCAA career. Chiles, who is currently in Paris, has been instrumental in Team USA’s gold medal-winning performance in the Olympics. Chiles showed great skill and determination to improve her skills. In the qualifying rounds, Chiles notched up a score of 13.866, but in the team finals, the difference was significant. Scoring a scintillating 13.966, only second best to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, Chiles ensured that her team took one step closer to the gold medal. 

However, she might be taking a step back and concentrating on her NCAA career according to recent hints. In the latest X update from Scott Bregman, Chiles has hinted at announcing something big on August 6. The post read, “Jordan Chiles has a date to add to your calendar. “I just say stay tuned for August 6th. There might be an announcement for something,” she told me today.” Well, even though nothing is confirmed, Jordan Chiles might just be the next big thing to watch out for in US gymnastics. 

Putting up a dominant display in Paris, Chiles finished fourth with an all-around score of 56.065. Since only the top two gymnasts from each country could compete in the finals, Chiles had to sit out. Now, after Paris, the gymnastics scenario will undergo a rapid change. The likes of Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade will not likely continue for long. Biles indirectly mentioned her possible retirement yesterday soon after clinching a historic 6th Olympic gold medal. 

Biles stated that she was done and would let Rebeca Andrade have all her moments from now on. Unfortunately, not long after Biles’ supposed announcement, Rebeca Andrade communicated her decision not to appear in the all-around any further. Well, that paves the way for Jordan Chiles to come in and establish her reign of dominance in international gymnastics in the years to come. That is, of course, if Chiles does not give up her elite career. As of now, if Chiles’ hint is to be believed, Paris will remain a testament to a parade of elite gymnastics signing off all at once.

Jordan Chiles switching back to NCAA? 

Jordan Chiles is one of the biggest pivots of strength for the UCLA Bruins. Building her reputation as a champion gymnast, Jordan Chiles had a fabulous 2023 NCAA season. Just ahead of the Olympics, Chiles won two gold medals in uneven bars and floor exercise. She also clinched the all-around silver in the NCAA championships to make a strong case of contention for the Olympics. Well, now that the Olympics are done, and she has passed her mission, Jordan Chiles might well be switching back to being just a UCLA girl. 

Currently aiming to bag the gold in the women’s floor routine, Chiles, in an Olympics.com exclusive interview, reflected on her future. She said, “I know floor is coming up. That’s my main focus, but you never know. You never know. I might have the four letters [UCLA] across my chest. You might see me in ’28.” The young gymnast detailed that ever since leaving her UCLA camp for Paris last year, she had been in constant touch with her teammates. 

Chiles further stated that just before the Olympics, going back to UCLA helped her gain clarity of mind. While Chiles did not want to leave her comfort zone, her teammates and her coach(UCLA Head Coach), Janelle McDonald, pushed Chiles to take the flight to Paris. Well, despite attaining impeccable glory in Paris, Jordan Chiles might just follow in her BFF, Simone Biles’ footsteps, to bid adieu to elite gymnastics temporarily.