Overcoming ‘Unhealthy’ Habits, Jordan Chiles Credits Parents’ Support During ‘Toxic’ Times: “Still Making Sacrifices”

Jordan Chiles today has attained heights as the 2023 Pan Am flag bearer, gold medalist, Olympian, and numerous positions more. However, as often revealed by the 22-year-old, the journey to the pinnacle hasn’t been an easy one. She has had to battle an unhealthy environment, bruised self-esteem, and a split mind to reach where she stands today. And surviving through it all, Jordan credits two people better than most: her parents.

Those who have followed Jordan Chiles’ journey know Gina, her mother, hasn’t forgone an opportunity to sing praises for the Olympian. However, today the gymnast reveals her role is extended far beyond her social media cheerleading to be a rock for her daughter.

Jordan Chiles credits her biggest supporters

Jordan Chiles recently appeared for an exclusive with PEOPLE discussing her difficult journey through gymnastics. She has often iterated how difficult and unkind the sport can be due to the popular standard it has set for its athletes. The weight check and the image presentation further reflecting on food intake have been an issue. Chiles majorly discusses herein, and elsewhere. “I was shamed into thinking I wasn’t fit enough and that I should just consume clear-based soups,” she tells PEOPLE. The idea developed an unhealthy relationship with her food for Jordan. And when she realized she needed to make a move, her parents stayed by her. 

“This sport is tough on the athletes, but the parents go through every emotion too… They are still on this journey with me and still making sacrifices,” Jordan Chiles says. Further talking about her mother, Chiles adds how she has been her “rock,” and has shown her that her dream was hers alone. “My biggest supporter,” she calls her.

As for her father, Jordan Chiles reveals he has been a shoulder to lean on. “There is nothing like the arms of my dad to make me feel like everything will somehow be okay,” she adds. While her parents stood as pillars, she ensured to reciprocate by taking care and understanding herself better.

A path to healing

Jordan Chiles has previously stated how body shaming only pierced her further due to the normalcy it held in society. But when Jordan realized she needed to go against the ‘toxic encouragement,’ there was a path of hope. She tells PEOPLE that her body responded when she started eating what she wanted. But she knew to stay within limits. She eats clean most of the time but that doesn’t mean she will miss out on pizza when she craves one.

Hence, knowing herself better and knowing she can control the controllable aspects of her life, Jordan Chiles wishes to give her 100% for the Paris Olympics. Even if she misses out, she knows she has her titles and that, “the history has been written.”

Continue Reading: “Was a Very Huge Support”: Jordan Chiles Unveils the Powerful Inspiration as She Seeks a Spectacular Season Ahead