“We were vibing out.” That’s how Jordan Chiles describes her first meeting with A’ja Wilson at a Nike event ahead of the Paris Olympics. The two athletes, who have now been reunited for TIME’s annual Women of the Year issue, share a special bond that goes beyond their love for sports. In a recent conversation, they opened up about the highs and lows of competition, and their unwavering support for each other.
Chiles, who made headlines for her impressive performance at the Tokyo Olympics, also faced a lot of criticism and drama surrounding her bronze medal win. However, her friend and fellow athlete, A’ja Wilson, had a blunt verdict to give on the matter.
The 20-year-old gymnast from Vancouver, Washington, had a tough journey to the Olympics. She had to overcome multiple injuries and setbacks, but she never gave up. Her hard work and determination paid off when she secured a spot on the US Olympic team and won a bronze medal in the team event.
However, her success was overshadowed by a legal battle with her former coach, Cecile Landi. Landi, who had been Chiles’ coach for over a decade, filed a lawsuit against her for breach of contract and defamation. This caused a lot of drama and negative attention for Chiles, who was just trying to focus on her Olympic journey.
In an interview with TIME, Chiles opened up about the difficult situation and how it affected her mentally. She said, “It was definitely hard. I was trying to stay focused on the Olympics, but it was always in the back of my mind. I had to keep reminding myself that I couldn’t control what was happening, and I just had to focus on my performance.”
But amidst all the chaos, Chiles found solace in her friendship with A’ja Wilson. The two athletes had met at a Nike event before the Olympics, and they instantly clicked. Wilson, who is a WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist, became a mentor and a friend to Chiles.
When the topic of Chiles’ bronze medal win came up in their conversation, Wilson had a blunt verdict to give. She said, “Stop playing. You worked hard for that medal, and no one can take that away from you. Don’t let anyone dim your light.”
These words of encouragement from Wilson meant a lot to Chiles, who was going through a tough time. It reminded her that her hard work and dedication had paid off, and she deserved to celebrate her success.
The bond between Chiles and Wilson goes beyond their shared love for sports. They both come from humble backgrounds and have faced their fair share of struggles to get to where they are today. They understand the importance of supporting and uplifting each other, especially in a male-dominated industry like sports.
In the interview, Chiles also talked about the importance of representation and diversity in sports. She said, “I want to inspire young girls who look like me to chase their dreams and know that they can achieve anything they set their minds to.”
Chiles and Wilson’s friendship is a testament to the power of women supporting women. In a world where women are often pitted against each other, these two athletes have shown that there is strength in unity and sisterhood.
As they continue to inspire and empower each other, Chiles and Wilson are also setting an example for young girls and women everywhere. They are proof that with hard work, determination, and a strong support system, anything is possible.
In conclusion, Chiles and Wilson’s friendship is a beautiful reminder that success is not just about winning medals or breaking records. It’s also about the relationships we build and the impact we have on others. As we celebrate these two incredible athletes in TIME’s Women of the Year issue, let us also remember the importance of supporting and uplifting each other, both on and off the field.