How far are you willing to let your emotions guide your actions? While many people can be lenient in allowing their love to influence their choices, there comes a point where they have to draw the line. And that’s exactly what gymnast Jordan Chiles had to do. Although Chiles is now one of the world’s most popular gymnasts, thanks to her outstanding achievements on the grandest stage, not everyone knows how her life has been shaped by those who have crossed paths with the Washington native.

However, the 23-year-old star isn’t shy about using her life as an example to help others understand that love takes many forms and should be cherished while it lasts. While Chiles has complete control over her gymnastics career, romantic relationships rarely turn out as we expect them to. Similarly, Jordan hasn’t had much luck finding someone to lean on.

In her recent Instagram Live, the Olympic medalist was heard talking about her love life, and how her past experiences have left a bitter taste in her mouth. During the conversation, Chiles reminisced about her previous romantic relationships. “My relationships, my very first boyfriend, it was crazy. It was hectic. Oh my gosh, I was in a toxic relationship, but I thought that was love,” admitted the WCC gymnast, noting how she took all of that as a learning lesson.

“It wasn’t,” Chiles stated flatly. But her turbulent time didn’t end right there. Another heartbreak was waiting for the UCLA star just around the corner, and she couldn’t jump over that pothole either. “And then my last relationship, I thought that was love too, but it wasn’t,” said the Olympian during her IG live session.

Talking further about how this has also impacted her perception of love, Chiles noted, “There’s a difference between having love for somebody and loving somebody.” Thankfully, the heartbreaks haven’t been able to deter Jordan from reaching out and making her dreams a reality, however difficult the journey might have been.

A long and arduous road for Jordan Chiles so far

2017 was a difficult moment in Chiles’ life. Being dropped from the national team despite performing impressively well, she contemplated leaving gymnastics altogether. Jordan’s mother Gina admitted in an interview, “We didn’t know she wasn’t spending as much time in the gym as she normally did. She was going to the mall and kicking it and doing different things. So we didn’t know that she was separating herself from gymnastics because Jordan couldn’t really see gymnastics without seeing the hurt and the emotional pain that she experienced.”

Thankfully, all wasn’t bleak, and Simone Biles, fresh from her 2016 Rio Olympics campaign, proposed that Chiles come to train with her at WCC in Texas. The decision proved to be a boon for Jordan and she soon found the fire inside her once again. Since then, Chiles has become an integral factor behind Team USA’s international success. And yet, another heartbreak awaited her in Paris.

Just five days after winning the bronze in the women’s floor exercise final, Chiles was directed by the IOC to return her medal alleging that she and her coach didn’t follow FIG protocols. Chiles, on the other hand, was reluctant to give up without a fight, and she found a flock of people stepping up to lend their support. Her family too, has stood firm beside her every step of the way, as her mom never forgot to remind the critics that Jordan’s accolades speak for themselves and should try to think before coming with their harsh words. What do you think about Chiles and what she has overcome in her life? Tell us below!