Do you ever feel those positive vibes when watching someone who’s sassy, joyful, curious, and bursting with energy, yet remains fiery and confident? We sure do! That’s exactly how Jordan Chiles is. And that’s the reason she is the best friend of Simone Biles. As Chiles puts it, “That’s my bestie. We’re Biles and Chiles for a reason.” However, Chiles often credits Biles with helping her stay in gymnastics six years ago when she was struggling, but now the tables have turned. It’s now Chiles, who is lifting up Biles and others, through her positivity and support from the stage.
In 2017, Jordan Chiles’s gymnastics career seemed set for a meteoric rise. Winning silver in the all-around at the national championships was a strong indicator that she was a star on the rise. However, by 2018, things took a sharp turn. Jordan Chiles was on the brink of quitting gymnastics. She had been passed over for international meets and felt like she was stuck in a rut after finishing 11th in the all-around at nationals.
The pressure of adhering to a strict diet, imposed by her coach, eased as she began embracing a more relaxed lifestyle. However, this shift, coupled with her underwhelming performance, caused her to question her future in the sport. “I didn’t think the sport wanted me anymore,” she admitted.
After a conversation, with Simone Biles and the support of her family, Chiles rediscovered her love, for gymnastics. Biles, who observed her friend’s journey with joy mentioned, “Seeing Jordan’s growth has been exciting. You always want to see your friends thriving and leveling up.” Simone Biles came up with a brilliant plan: Jordan Chiles should move to Texas and train at Biles’s gym, the World Champions Centre. At this known establishment, Chiles would gain insights, from the knowledge and skills of Cecile and Laurent Landi.
Since then, Chiles has found joy in gymnastics, infusing her performances with her trademark energy and enthusiasm. Now known for her ability to uplift her teammates and energize the crowd, Chiles has turned competition into a vibrant spectacle. Biles aptly describes, “Jordan’s bubbly personality is one of the greatest qualities. She’s always ready to pump up the crowd and embrace the energy in the arena.” But it wasn’t just Simone Biles, but Jordan Chiles too stood for her when she needed a shoulder to cry on!
Chiles and Simone Biles support each other through thick and thin
When Biles had to pull out of the gymnastics team final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics because of “the twisties.” Chiles not took over to perform on the balance beam and uneven bars, in her spot. Also showed support for her friend, in the face of media attention. “There was a lot,” Jordan said to the media in 2021. “There were emotions, excitement, frustration, and devastation.” Her support showed the friendship, as Chiles defended Biles’s decisions and provided a pillar of strength during a hard time.
Even after Biles took a break from competition following Tokyo, Chiles remained her most enthusiastic supporter. After Biles came back in 2023, it was Chiles who was overjoyed at Biles’s engagement and expressed her support, “I call her here and there, and I love her to death. She will always be with me no matter what, and I’m just really excited for her.” Now, this dynamic duo is once again sharing the spotlight.
Chiles, who finished second at the 2024 Olympic Trials just behind Biles, reflected on their journey with pride: “This feels like we’re doing this all over again because we are. I’m very proud of her. She is somebody that I’m always going to look up to, whether it’s gymnastics or life in general.”With that being said, their rock-solid friendship will be in the spotlight at the Paris Olympics once again!!
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