“Lost Last Year”: Crying Jordan Chiles Recalls Deceased Family Members After Winning Paris Olympics 2024 Spot

Jordan Chiles is back and better than ever! Chiles, at the age of 23, has proven herself to be “that girl” once again. Following her team’s silver at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she showed her prowess at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Minnesota, securing a spot on the Olympic team with a score of 111.425. Joining her will be Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee in Paris. But beyond the triumph on the mat, Chiles revealed the emotional toll in a post-trials interview.

Expressing the stress and challenges she faced, she credited her family, coaches, and friends for their support. As she puts it, “This is the most stressful event I’ve ever been a part of in my life, but just those past experiences, like you said, really helped me remember why I’m doing this sport and where I want to go. I couldn’t do it without my family, my coaches, my friends, and even these ladies right here. So, I’m ready to rock it in Paris with them.”

When the interviewer further asked, “Jordan, I don’t think anyone can work a crowd like Jordan Chiles, okay? And you told me you think so. Open with us about the year that you have, the loss, and can you talk about how you persevered, how you have overcome, because I’m able to grow up honestly.”  Reflecting on her journey and personal losses, Chiles, in a shaky voice, dedicated her Olympic qualification to her late grandpa and aunt, finding strength in their memory as she prepares to compete in Paris.

In her words, “One thing I can say is, it’s all about—I don’t know where I am right now—if it weren’t for these amazing ways my coach, my family, my friends, I was out here today doing it for the two I lost last year. My grandpa, aunt, they made me continue to push my dream to another place, which is crazy to say. And this was for you, Uncle, and Megan. I’m going to the Olympics.”

Despite her paternal aunt’s hospitalization during the Pac-12 Championships last year, she competed to honor her. After the competition, she rushed to be by Oliver’s side as she battled for her life, but sadly, she passed away on March 23, 2023, leaving her deeply grieving. Did you know that Chiles has a tattoo on her left forearm? It reads, “Where you are I have been, Where I am, You will be.” This tattoo has a special meaning for Chiles.

Jordan Chiles’ inspiring road to Paris bound by family support!

Jordan Chiles’ path to gymnastics was deeply rooted in her family’s support and encouragement. Raised in Vancouver, Washington, she grew up in a close-knit household where both her parents, Timothy and Gina Chiles, serve as senior pastors at their local church. It was her father who first introduced her to gymnastics at the age of seven, setting her on a journey that would define her athletic career and make her to the Paris Olympics. But this all came after a lot of struggle.

In November 2023, Jordan returned home from the Pan American Games in Santiago. Chile clutched the vault silver medal and all-around bronze medal she had won representing the United States. However, this triumphant moment was followed by a profound loss. Shortly after her return, Jordan’s grandfather, Gene Velasquez, passed away. He had been a constant source of support, often inspiring her with his words: “Where you are I have been, Where I am, You will be.” which Chiles inked in her arm.

Velasquez used to closely follow her gymnastics journey, reading every article, calling family members for updates, and sending messages of pride and encouragement after each competition. His belief in Jordan’s abilities and his support continue to be meaningful for Jordan Chiles’ life and career ahead. As Jordan now heads to Paris, her family remains her greatest pillar of strength and motivation. Their support has played a key role in helping her overcome challenges and pursue her Olympic dreams.