The debate about who really snagged third place in the women’s floor final at the Paris Olympics has been quite the rollercoaster for the gymnastics world. On August 5, Jordan Chiles was over the moon when she received the bronze medal after her coach, Cecile Landi, successfully appealed her score, bumping it just enough to edge out Romania’s Ana Barbosu. But then, a few days later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport took that medal away, saying Landi didn’t start the appeal in time. Through all the ups and downs, Chiles recently even performed at the 2024 MTV VMAs!

Fast forward to today, and Chiles is finding joy alongside fellow gymnasts, especially Simone Biles, as they embark on the GOAT tour. But Chiles seems to draw strength from her unique fashion sense. Yes, she recently revealed it in a recent interview on the Entertainment Tonight News YouTube channel, where the host asked Jordan Chiles about her experience at the VMAs, which marked her first time attending.

She excitedly recalled, “Oh my gosh! Honestly, I did the first award, and Flavor Flav was with me, and that whole thing happened. I was just like, ‘Oh my gosh, there’s no way all these people were cheering for me despite the things that have been happening to me these past few months.’ I was just like, ‘Wow, I’m actually standing on the stage right now! I have to speak in front of a television audience? This is crazy!’ But I really enjoyed it. It was definitely a dream come true. I’ve always loved music, so having the ability to attend something that’s all about music was just amazing.”

A few weeks ago, an emotional Jordan Chiles, tears in her eyes, expressed feeling “left in the dark” amid the fallout from the bronze medal controversy. “The biggest thing that was taken from me was that it was the recognition of who I was, not just my sport, but the person I am,” Chiles said. She emphasized that the situation is not just about the medal; it’s about her identity and the struggles that led her to this point. “It’s about the fact that there were things that have led up to this position of being an athlete, and I felt like everything has been stripped.”

But for Chiles, music is a big part of what lifts her spirits, especially as she embarks on the Gold Over America Tour. Even amidst the ongoing medal controversy, she has a solid support system standing by her side, reminding her that she’s not alone in this journey.

How community support uplifts Jordan Chiles

When the host asked Jordan Chiles about the support she’s received, she reflected on how much it means to her. She shared that stepping back and focusing on her mental well-being has been crucial. Seeing all the support has made her feel so much better, and as she prepares for the tour, she’s decided to put aside the stress and simply enjoy the moment. Chiles expressed her gratitude, saying, “I keep telling everybody, thank you for everything. Thank you.” This mindset has allowed her to embrace the fun and camaraderie of the tour while feeling uplifted by those standing by her side.

One of the most touching moments of support for Jordan Chiles came during the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards in New York. Following the controversial announcement about her medal, Flavor Flav promised her a unique gift: a bronze clock necklace, something no one else has. True to his word, he presented the one-of-a-kind pendant to her onstage.

He emphasized that while they might have taken her medal away, this gift is something that can’t be taken from her. As he hung the necklace around her neck, the crowd at UBS Arena erupted in applause, leaving Chiles momentarily speechless and overwhelmed by the gesture. It was such a beautiful moment that really highlighted the support she has as she navigates the ups and downs of the bronze medal situation.