Controversy and Jordan Chiles often go hand in hand, much to her chagrin.
The gymnast has recently been under scrutiny for her planned simultaneous participation in the Olympics and college gymnastics.
Jordan Chiles Reacts to Criticism on Handling Olympics and Collegiate Gymnastics
However, as usual, the gymnast is unfazed. She stands by her decision to remain involved in gymnastics at the collegiate level, considering it’s something she maintains a strong passion for.
Chiles is representing the UCLA Bruins for one last time this season. In a recent interview with ESPN’s SportsCenter, the gymnast revealed that she would pursue college gymnastics as she wants to. She said:
“Now college and competing you know, part of Team USA, are two different things. I feel like, a lot of a people are, you know, ‘Why did you go to college? You’ve done so much already!’ But it’s about the experience. For me, I always wanted to go to a D1 school and knowing that I had the opportunity to do that with my sport, I wanted to pursue both.”
Chiles recently recorded a Perfect 10 in the vault event of the duel against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. The gymnast has helped the UCLA Bruins gain a considerable lead ahead of the NCAA Championships.
Chiles’ Performance As UCLA Bruins Gymnast
After participating in the inaugural GOAT tour organized by teammate Simone Biles, Chiles announced her commitment to the UCLA Bruins in Dec. 2021 for the forthcoming season. Unfortunately, her inaugural attempt didn’t go as planned.
In the 2023 season, the gymnast improved by leaps and bounds. While the Bruins were unable to proceed to the Final Four, Chiles shone individually, winning two gold medals in the uneven bars and the floor exercise events and a silver medal in the individual all-around event.
Chiles took a break from the 2023-24 season in order to focus exclusively on the Paris Olympics. Following a not-so-great experience after the floor exercise controversy at the quadrennial event, Chiles surprised everyone by announcing her return to college gymnastics, given that she had two years of eligibility remaining.
Chiles turned over a new leaf in the 2025 season. She secured a historic maiden title for the Bruins at the Big Ten Conference Championships. The 24-year-old gymnast also helped the Bruins enter the final four of the NCAA Championships after more than five years. However, the Bruins missed out on the team title and finished second overall.
