Jordan Chiles, the 20-year-old artistic gymnast, has been turning heads with her remarkable performances at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. But beyond her athletic prowess, she has been inspiring people with her resilience and determination in the face of immense pressure. Chiles has often spoken about her admiration for her teammate and close friend, Simone Biles, and their time together at the Olympics has left a deep impression on her.
As the world watched Biles struggle with the weight of public expectation and make the difficult decision to withdraw from the all-around finals, Chiles stood by her side and supported her throughout. In an interview, Chiles recalled how she had witnessed Biles confront this same issue before in their training and how it has shaped her own journey in gymnastics.
Biles, the reigning Olympic all-around champion and considered by many as the greatest gymnast of all time, surprised the world when she announced her withdrawal from the all-around final. It was later revealed that she was experiencing a phenomenon called the “twisties,” a loss of air awareness that can be extremely dangerous in gymnastics. But beyond the physical challenges, Biles was also facing immense pressure from the public, who expected nothing less than perfection from her.
Watching her closest friend struggle with this level of pressure left a lasting impression on Chiles. She saw firsthand the toll it took on Biles, both mentally and physically, and it reminded her of her own experience with pressure in gymnastics. Chiles has always looked up to Biles as a role model and often tried to emulate her ability to handle the spotlight. But seeing her falter made Chiles realize that even the best can face setbacks and that it’s okay to ask for help.
Biles’ decision to prioritize her mental well-being and withdraw from the competition opened up a much-needed conversation about the importance of mental health in sports. Chiles, who has also struggled with mental health issues, was inspired by Biles’ bravery and honesty in speaking about her struggles. In an Instagram post, Chiles wrote, “Thank you for setting the example, and showing us all that it’s okay to not be okay.”
One of the most impactful moments of Biles’ journey in Tokyo was when she decided to come back and compete in the balance beam finals. It was a powerful statement from Biles, who showed that it’s not about winning medals, but about overcoming challenges and pushing through adversity. Chiles was there to support Biles, just like she had when Biles withdrew from the all-around final.
Chiles’ perseverance and courage can be seen throughout her Olympic journey as well. She had initially been named an alternate for the team but was brought in to compete when Biles withdrew. Chiles seized this opportunity with both hands, delivering remarkable performances that helped the US team win the silver medal. She also qualified for the all-around final and finished in the seventh position, beating her own personal best.
But beyond the scores and medals, Chiles’ journey at the Olympics has been about overcoming the same issue that Biles struggled with. In an interview, Chiles said, “I’m no Simone, but I know how she feels. Just like she says, we have to focus on ourselves and not get caught up in everyone’s expectations. We’re human too, and we can only handle so much.”
Chiles’ resilience and determination to stay focused on her own journey is a valuable lesson that many can learn from. She has shown that it’s not about being perfect, but about being your best self and never giving up. The pressure of representing your country at the Olympic Games can be overwhelming, but Chiles has proved that with the right mindset and support, anything is possible.
As Chiles and Biles continue to inspire and push each other, their bond has become even stronger. Chiles will always be grateful for the lessons she has learned from Biles and the impact she has had on her career. She has shown that it’s not just about winning medals, but also about being a role model and using her platform to spread important messages.
Chiles’ journey in Tokyo has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but she has emerged stronger and more determined than ever. She has finally overcome the same issue that Biles has struggled with, and her resilience has been truly inspiring to watch. Chiles may not have won individual medals, but she has won hearts and proved that she is a champion