“Kept That to Myself”: Simone Biles’ Best Friend Jordan Chiles Opens Up on How the GOAT Helps Her With Mental Health

Self-preservation and salvaging mental health is a concept Simone Biles is no stranger to. Facing the brunt of the all-pervasive and debilitating twisties (a gymnastic phenomenon wherein the gymnast loses hand-eye coordination, causing mental and physical dissonance), Biles has since then been an active champion and a harbinger of mental health woes. She termed it as the –“the strangest, weirdest feeling”. She has been a firebrand athlete and has also helped countless others with bolstering their mental health as well, commensurate with the knowledge and the know-how she has as an empath. She also commented that –“I didn’t quit, my mind and body are simply not in sync.” stating just how discombobulating it can be.

In lieu of it being Mental Health Awareness Month right now in May, it’s also pertinent to address that star UCLA gymnast Jordan Chiles too has had her brush with mental health in the past. She recently even joined hands with the Child Mind Institute and shared some tidbits about coping with these internal battles and intrusive thoughts.

Ahead of the high-stakes behemoth games, Chiles addressed that –“One thing that I do to stay mentally fit, especially going into the Paris Olympics, is being able to communicate how I’m feeling, Chiles stated. Whether it’s through my support system or talking to a sports psychologist or even at some point, being able just to relax and hang out with friends and family.” But her biggest and most trusted ally has come in the form of Simone Biles herself who is Chiles’ mental health messiah. Now, knowledge shared isn’t knowledge wasted, right? It leads to the enrichment of a life and that’s exactly what happened with the UCLA champ as well.

American gymnast Jordan Chiles just added one more page to her friendship with Simone Biles. While both gymnasts have experienced the intense strains of competitive gymnastics, what jumps out is their backing of one another when it comes to managing their mental health. Chiles’ recent reflection provides an uncommon window into these renowned athletes’ support for each other in this regard.

In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Chiles described how she and Simone Biles discuss mental health. “We understand each other whether we do have to talk to each other or not,” Chiles stated. However, through their strong mutual understanding, they frequently don’t need to express their difficulties verbally, as they can tell when one another needs help. Chiles noted that both athletes place a high priority on their mental wellness. “Mental health is such a huge thing right now, so we want to make sure everybody’s okay in each and every way,” she said. Their close bond is based on this common commitment to well-being.

Chiles said that even though they had a strong relationship, she used to often keep her problems to herself. She confessed, “I kind of kept that to myself,” instead choosing to confide in her parents or brothers. It highlights the difficulties that athletes, especially those with excellent support networks, encounter on an individual scale.

It was especially helpful to have this silent backing during challenging circumstances. “Some days are better than others when you’re at practice,” Chiles clarified. Chiles also discussed how her own perspective on mental health has been shaped by Biles’ experiences. “Once it got closer, I was like, ‘This is what I’m doing, this is how I put everything into this,'” she recalled. This drive constitutes proof of the fortitude both athletes possess, finding energy in their common experience.

Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles always had each other’s back

Biles and Chiles have a bond that goes beyond gymnastics. Regarding working alongside Biles, Chiles has previously stated, “It brought me joy all over again of loving this sport. She encourages me a lot and amazes me.” Since relocating to Texas to work out at World Champions Center, the family-owned gym owned by Biles, the two have grown close.

Their bond became clear when Biles struggled with mental health during the Olympics in Tokyo. Chiles showed her friendship by standing up for her. “That’s my best friend, she’s a real bad b.” Biles wrote alongside a touching photo that she shared with Chiles in return. With Chiles taking home a silver medal for her nation, their mutual support was apparent. Their closeness is mirrored by Chiles, who refers to Biles as “my ride or die best friend” and views her as more than just a best friend but also a mentor and big sister. Their mutual respect is highlighted by the fact that they maintain this connection outside of the competitive setting.

Moreover, Jordan Chiles has encountered an array of difficulties throughout her professional life. Chiles reflected on her changing perspective on the discipline and said, “I discovered that gymnastics doesn’t always have to be about strictness and being so hard on yourself and having so much doubt.” She overcame disappointments, such as missing the 2023 World Championships, because of this change in viewpoint. Chiles performed exceptionally well at the Pan-American Games despite this setback, demonstrating toughness.