So, you know Jordan Chiles, right? Yeah, the two-time Olympian who’s really made waves in the gymnastics world. Well, she’s showing us all that her life is about way more than just those cool flips and shiny medals. Right now, she’s taking a little break from competing, but don’t think she’s fading into the background—far from it!

Instead, Chiles is stepping into a new spotlight, one where she gets to connect with people through some pretty inspiring talks. And guess what? She was just announced as the keynote speaker at the 2025 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational. How cool is that? But here’s the thing—this isn’t just another gig for her. It’s a chance, a real chance, to share her story of bouncing back and finding herself with the young athletes out there. It’s all about building her legacy, not just as an amazing gymnast but as a true leader both on and off the mat. Pretty inspiring, huh?

It’s not about the medal; it’s about the message

Jordan Chiles’ keynote appearance ties into a series of powerful speeches she’s delivered recently. At Forbes’ Power Women’s Summit, she opened up about her personal struggles, saying, “The biggest thing that was taken from me was the recognition of who I was—not just my sport, but the person I am.” Her words spoke to a deeper struggle with identity that many young athletes face as they navigate high-pressure careers. She’s also been recognized for her integrity and sportsmanship, most notably as a recipient of the Jack Kelly Fair Play Award alongside Simone Biles. During her acceptance speech, Chiles highlighted the importance of navigating controversies with dignity, referencing the challenges she faced during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Her authenticity and candor in these moments have made her a voice for athletes finding their way in life after sports.

She’s decided to take a step back from gymnastics, and honestly, it’s all about focusing on her mental health and personal growth. I mean, she’s really opened up about the intense pressure that comes with competing at such a high level. It’s super important, she says, to look after your mental well-being just as much as your physical fitness. You know, she’s mentioned that, back in the day, mental health wasn’t really a big deal in her training. That lack of focus caused her some serious struggles, which, let’s be real, kind of messed with her passion for gymnastics. But here’s the thing—she’s using her platform to push for more honest chats about mental health in sports.

Jordan Chiles, inspiring the next generation

The YMCA Nationals? Well, they’re not just about flipping and twisting in the air—it’s really about building a vibe of belonging and ambition for young athletes. And you know what? Having Chiles as the keynote speaker is spot on for that goal. She’s got this knack for mixing her personal struggles with bigger themes about community and sticking it out when times get tough. It makes her super relatable and someone people can look up to.

Now, when it comes to Jordan Chiles taking a break from gymnastics, it’s not all about catching some Z’s. Nope, she’s actually redefining what success looks like. By stepping back from the sport to work on herself and make a difference in the public eye, she’s sending a strong message: life doesn’t just stop when you leave the podium. So, as fans and future gymnasts get ready for the big day, all eyes are going to be on Chiles. Her story of bouncing back and her passion for supporting important causes really fire people up. It just goes to show that what she’s doing off the mat is just as impactful as her jaw-dropping routines when she’s on it.