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

Jordan Chiles’s gymnastics action at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics caught the world’s attention. Now, as she steps into her second Olympic year, she confronts the challenges with newfound determination. Despite skipping the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, she exudes optimism. In the face of a heart-wrenching year-end, she unveiled a reservoir of unwavering strength and draws courage and inspiration from a guiding presence as she prepares to compete at the Bercy.

Jordan Chiles embracing the legacy

During the holiday season in New York last year, Chiles received awful news about her grandfather’s deteriorating condition. She rushed back to be by his side, but just two days later, on November 25, she lost her maternal grandfather. In a recent interview with International Gymnast Media, when asked: “Are you channeling your grandfather’s spirit this year?” Chiles highlighted, “I have him with me everywhere I go. He was a very huge support in our family.” 

The gymnast described him as “like another dad” and an unflinching supporter, revealing a tattoo on her arm as a continual reminder of his presence. She also quoted his favorite line, “Where you are, I have been. Where I am, you will be,” emphasizing how he remains a huge source of support even when absent. After his passing, Chiles’ mother, Gina Chiles, recalled her grandfather being proud of her and leaving a balloon afloat in the sky to announce her victory following a gymnastics event.

Days after mourning his loss, Chiles expressed disbelief and anguish on Instagram, saying, “I feel like this is all just a dream…” But it’s not. I can’t believe you’re gone, Grandpa; I miss you so much.” In addition, last year was marked with additional career decisions made by Jordan, which weren’t easy either.

Challenges along the way

Chiles had a difficult decision last year: whether to leave her close-knit UCLA gymnastics colleagues to pursue another Olympic attempt. Recognizing the burden she felt in 2021, she told Olympics.com, “I really pushed myself to a limit where I was just drained at the end,” further adding, “I would ever do [again], really push myself to that extreme.”

Despite missing the Worlds’ squad, Chiles performed admirably at the Pan American Games, winning team gold, vault silver, and all-around bronze. Now, an intentional choice to skip the Winter Cup, she keeps up her persistent training for the Summer Olympics.

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Chiles takes her loving grandpa’s loving spirit and support as she faces the challenges of the Paris Olympics 2024, serving as a great source of encouragement for the journey ahead.

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