Lack of Diversity Forced Jordan Chiles to Rethink Gymnastics Career: ‘Didn’t Think the Sport Wanted Me’

Jordan Chiles is an inspiring black gymnast, who is setting an example for many across the world. USA Gymnastics today can hardly be imagined without the contribution of this proficient Olympic silver medalist. Recently, with her spectacle on the 2024 Xfinity mats, the UCLA pro secured a place for her in the US Olympic Trials. Moreover, not just with her gymnastic prowess, but Chiles proved she is ‘that girl,’ setting a dazzling fashion statement in Beyonce-inspired leotards.

However, it seems like this wasn’t always the case with Chiles. Behind the confident and determined self that she is today was apparently a black girl who once even contemplated quitting gymnastics.

Jordan Chiles once thought she was done with gymnastics

Jordan Chiles recently recalled the representation scenario when she first stepped onto the mats. As per NBC Miami, the 23-year-old, who had begun her career when she was six, initially noticed that there were not many black girls in the sport. Moreover, as she gradually matured, around the age of 15, the lack of diversity and the judgment that started pouring in due to her darker skin truly affected her.

And the impact was to an extent that, she confessed, “I wanted to be done because I didn’t think, one, the sport wanted me.” She further added, “I didn’t think people around me wanted to see this beautiful Black girl in a [leotard] anymore. There were a lot of things that were going through my head. But now when I think back, I’m happy I didn’t do that.” Evidently, the situation was weighing heavily on her. However, she remains glad that it was not enough to push her to call quits.

Chiles’ concerns were natural. Previously, the black gymnasts to have represented the US contingent at the Olympics remained limited to three names-Luci Collins, Dominique Dawes, and Gabby Douglas. But, the scheme of things has truly changed today. Moreover, even Chiles has now come a long way from that unsettling phase. She can see the growth in the sport and has recently even mentioned, “I feel like now that we’re understanding more, we’re able to embrace who we are.” 

US gymnasts are soaring to new heights

Back in 2022, at the US National Championships, three black athletes, Konnor McClain, Shilese Jones, and Jordan Chiles had etched history. Bagging gold, silver, and bronze respectively, the gymnasts reigned supreme over their competitors. For Chiles, it was undeniably a ‘wow’ moment. She had expressed, “Honestly, I think it was more of like, wow, we’re really standing up here, there’s three of us, not just one, but just being able to look at each other and be like, wow.” 

And now, ahead of the US Olympic Trials, among the 16 women who have qualified are 6 black gymnasts, namely Simone Biles, Shilese Jones, Skye Blakely, Kaliya Lincoln, Jordan Chiles, and Zoe Miller. This definitely marks a positive shift. Moreover, not only at the Trials, but these champions are among the top contenders to clinch the Olympic medal too. And at the possibility of an all African-American USA gymnastic squad at the Paris Olympics, Chiles had recently stated, “It would mean the world, it would mean that no matter where we go, there’s always gonna be history.” Do you think this will happen? Let us know in the comments.