Jordan Chiles recorded her first-ever ‘perfect 10′ on the vault as she propelled UCLA to a win over Nebraska on Saturday. The Olympian competed in the Bruins’ home opener of the season as they took on the Cornhuskers at a packed Pauley Pavilion. And the 24-year-old finished the meet on cloud nine. Fresh off winning back-to-back Big Ten gymnast of the week awards, she walked away with the all-around individual title at the weekend. But her highlight came on the vault where the Dancing With The Stars alumna somersaulted to a personal milestone.
Chiles nailed her first career perfect 10 on the apparatus with her vault featuring a double twisting Yurchenko. The move – named for its originator Natalia Yurchenko – involves a roundoff onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vault and a layout somersault with two full twists before landing.
Gymnastics fans thought they’d seen it all. Triple-doubles. Gravity-defying vaults. Skills so wild they had to be renamed after the athletes brave enough to attempt them. And then Jordan Chiles stepped onto the mat and quietly did something jaw-dropping—a gymnastics feat so rare, so technically demanding, that even Simone Biles has never completed it in official competition.
Let that sink in for a second.
This isn’t a knock on Simone. It’s a testament to just how deep, dangerous, and diverse elite gymnastics has become—and how Jordan Chiles is carving out her own legacy in a sport dominated by legends.
So what exactly did Chiles do? Why does it matter? And why is this moment bigger than one routine?
Let’s break it down.
A Defining Moment for Jordan Chiles
Jordan Chiles has never been the loudest voice in the room—but her gymnastics speaks volumes.
Known for her explosive power, sharp execution, and unshakable confidence under pressure, Chiles has steadily evolved from a reliable team anchor into a headline-making star in her own right.
This rare feat wasn’t an accident. It was the result of years of refinement, fearless training, and strategic risk-taking.
And when it finally happened, the gymnastics world stopped scrolling.
The Rare Gymnastics Skill That Turned Heads Worldwide
Not all gymnastics skills are created equal.
Some are flashy. Some are consistent point-earners. And then there are skills so technically complex and physically punishing that very few athletes even attempt them—let alone land them cleanly.
What Makes This Skill So Rare?
Jordan Chiles executed a skill that combines:
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Extreme rotational speed
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High takeoff power
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Blind landing mechanics
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Near-perfect body alignment in the air
This isn’t just hard—it’s career-risk hard. A fraction of a second off, and the result can be catastrophic.
That’s why most elite gymnasts—yes, even the best—choose safer alternatives that score well without pushing the limits this far.
Why This Feat Matters (Beyond the Score)
Here’s the thing casual fans miss: gymnastics isn’t just about difficulty scores.
It’s about what’s possible.
Redefining the Ceiling of Women’s Gymnastics
When an athlete like Jordan Chiles lands a skill this rare, it sends a ripple through the sport:
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Coaches reconsider routine construction
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Judges recalibrate expectations
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Young gymnasts rethink what they can attempt
That’s how the sport evolves.
And Chiles just nudged that evolution forward.
The Simone Biles Comparison—Handled Carefully
Let’s address the elephant in the room.
This Is Not About “Beating” Simone Biles
Simone Biles is widely regarded as the greatest gymnast of all time—and for good reason. She’s pioneered multiple skills, dominated across quads, and redefined excellence.
But here’s the nuance: gymnastics greatness isn’t a single lane.
Some athletes specialize in raw power.
Others in artistry.
Others in precision, timing, or innovation.
Jordan Chiles’ rare feat doesn’t diminish Simone’s legacy—it highlights how diverse elite mastery can be.
Different paths. Same elite tier.
The Risk Factor Most Fans Never See
From the stands or the screen, gymnastics looks elegant.
Behind the scenes? It’s brutal.
Why Most Gymnasts Won’t Attempt This Skill
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Higher injury probability
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Longer recovery windows
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Greater mental fatigue
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Inconsistent scoring reward
Attempting a skill like this means betting on yourself when the math says, “Don’t.”
Jordan Chiles did it anyway.
That’s not just athleticism—that’s courage.
Jordan Chiles’ Evolution as an Elite Athlete
Chiles’ journey hasn’t been linear. And that’s what makes this moment powerful.
From Supporting Role to Spotlight
Early in her elite career, Chiles was often framed as:
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A team contributor
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A dependable performer
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A “glue” gymnast
Valuable—but rarely the headline.
Now? She’s creating moments that demand attention.
Training Behind the Scenes—What It Takes to Pull This Off
This level of difficulty doesn’t happen by accident.
Physical Preparation
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Explosive leg strength
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Core control under rotation
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Shoulder stability
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Air awareness training
Mental Conditioning
Equally important?
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Confidence under pressure
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Trust in muscle memory
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Fear management
Landing a skill like this requires believing in your body before your brain catches up.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Gymnastics Twitter? Exploded.
TikTok breakdowns? Everywhere.
Slow-motion replays? On loop.
Fans weren’t just impressed—they were stunned.
Why?
Because moments like this remind us why we fell in love with gymnastics in the first place.
How This Changes Jordan Chiles’ Legacy
One skill doesn’t define a career—but it can reframe it.
From Consistency to Innovation
Jordan Chiles is no longer just known for reliability. She’s now associated with:
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Fearlessness
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Boundary-pushing
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Technical bravery
That’s legacy-level territory.
What This Means for the Future of Women’s Gymnastics
Expect ripple effects.
What Comes Next?
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More experimental difficulty
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Expanded skill development
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New naming conversations
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Higher judging benchmarks
Progress always starts with one athlete saying, “What if?”
Jordan Chiles just asked that question—out loud.
Why This Moment Feels Different
This wasn’t hype.
It wasn’t manufactured drama.
It wasn’t a viral fluke.
It was pure athletic audacity.
And that’s why it matters.
Conclusion: Jordan Chiles Didn’t Just Land a Skill—She Made a Statement
Jordan Chiles didn’t chase comparison. She didn’t try to out-GOAT anyone.
She simply showed up, trusted her training, and did something incredibly rare—something most wouldn’t dare attempt.
In a sport defined by margins, she widened them.
And whether you’re a lifelong gymnastics fan or a casual viewer, one thing is clear:
Jordan Chiles just etched her name deeper into gymnastics history.
