Unfortunately, Paris 2024 made her realize how it feels facing scathing criticism. After securing an Olympic medal, Chiles’ Olympic dream was cut short after having to relinquish the medal. Life took no time to throw one of the biggest challenges of her life. The Court of Arbitration for Sport transferred the medal to Ana Barbosu, leaving Chiles to admit, “The biggest thing that was taken from me was the recognition of who I was. Not just my sport, but the person I am.” Chiles later acknowledged that the medal controversy “took away the person I am.”
Thus, Chiles has now decided to approach well-being pretty seriously. Back in August 2025, the Olympian announced the Shero Athlete Collective. This initiative is designed to guide young women in sports through the business and the mental side of their careers. Chiles reflected on her latest perspective as she told Ariel Baker of Marie Claire, “I’m not super big into wellness trends, but I will say I had to learn to appreciate therapists. I had a sports psychologist when I was younger, and I didn’t like it because I didn’t see the point of talking to someone about my life. However, as I’ve gotten older, therapy has become something that I really advocate for, whether people are involved in sports or not.”
When we think of gymnastics legends, Simone Biles is usually the first name that comes to mind. But now, Jordan Chiles is making headlines not just for her powerhouse performances but also for finally overcoming a challenge that once pushed Biles to her breaking point. This story isn’t just about flips, vaults, or routines—it’s about resilience, mental health, and rewriting the narrative in one of the toughest sports in the world.
Let’s dive deep into how Jordan Chiles faced the same struggles Simone Biles did, how she conquered them, and why this moment could redefine gymnastics forever.
What Exactly Did Simone Biles Struggle With?
Before we understand Chiles’ triumph, we need to revisit what Biles went through.
Simone Biles, often dubbed the GOAT of gymnastics, famously struggled with “the twisties.” It’s not just a catchy phrase—it’s a terrifying mental block where gymnasts suddenly lose track of their body mid-air. Imagine driving at full speed and suddenly forgetting how to steer—that’s how dangerous and frightening the twisties are.
For Biles, it wasn’t just about missed landings. It was about safety, confidence, and mental stability. The world watched in shock during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics when she withdrew from multiple events to protect herself.
Jordan Chiles Steps Into the Spotlight
Jordan Chiles isn’t just Simone’s teammate—she’s her close friend and training partner. Over the years, Chiles faced her own battles with the same issue. Unlike Biles, her struggles weren’t always front-page news, but behind the scenes, the weight was just as heavy.
She admitted facing moments of doubt, mental blocks, and performance anxiety. Yet this year, Chiles managed to do what even Biles couldn’t during the Olympics—push through the same obstacle and come out victorious.
How Did Jordan Chiles Overcome It?
1. Embracing Mental Health Support
Chiles leaned on therapists, coaches, and mental health experts. Rather than bottling it up, she spoke openly about the struggles, normalizing mental health discussions in gymnastics.
2. Training With Patience
Instead of rushing routines, she slowed down training, focusing on rebuilding trust with her body. Repetition, mindfulness, and visualization became her strongest allies.
3. Building Resilience From Friendship
Her bond with Simone Biles was crucial. Who better to guide you through a storm than someone who has walked in it before? Simone gave her tools, advice, and emotional strength to navigate through the pressure.
Why This Moment Matters for Gymnastics
Gymnastics has always been about perfection—straight lines, flawless landings, and robotic consistency. But the sport is evolving. With Chiles’ breakthrough, the message is clear: mental strength is just as important as physical ability.
This moment matters because it shows young gymnasts that setbacks aren’t the end. They can be the beginning of something stronger, braver, and more inspiring.
Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles: Two Stories, One Lesson
While Biles’ journey highlighted the importance of stepping back, Chiles’ story emphasizes pushing forward when the time feels right. Together, their paths tell us one lesson: listening to your body and mind is the key to longevity in sports.
The Power of Representation
Chiles and Biles aren’t just gymnasts; they’re trailblazers. As women of color dominating a historically strict sport, their stories resonate beyond athletics. Young athletes around the world, especially those facing cultural and societal pressures, now see that even the greatest fall—but they also rise again.
The Role of Pressure in Elite Sports
Pressure is both a gift and a curse. It creates champions, but it can also break them. For Chiles, handling the expectations after Simone’s spotlight wasn’t easy. Every routine felt like she was being compared. But instead of cracking, she turned the pressure into fuel—transforming fear into fire.
The Science Behind the Twisties
For the uninitiated, the twisties aren’t just nerves. It’s a neurological disconnect between the brain and body. The brain knows what to do, but the body refuses to listen. This disconnect can lead to severe injuries if ignored.
Chiles trained her brain as much as her muscles, using mental exercises, meditation, and sports psychology to rewire her focus.
The Turning Point for Chiles
Her recent competitions showcased flawless performances where once fear reigned. This wasn’t luck—it was years of rebuilding trust in herself. Her victory wasn’t just over opponents but over the invisible battle inside her own mind.
How Social Media Reacted
Fans erupted with pride and excitement. Hashtags trended, tweets went viral, and Instagram posts poured in celebrating her resilience. It wasn’t just about medals anymore; it was about breaking barriers and proving that mental health struggles don’t define an athlete’s legacy.
A Comparison of Journeys
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Simone Biles: Took a step back to heal.
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Jordan Chiles: Pushed through and overcame the same obstacle.
Both approaches are valid, both heroic, and both necessary for reshaping how we view athletes.
What Young Athletes Can Learn
Chiles’ journey is a blueprint for resilience. The lesson? It’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to fall. What matters is learning how to rise, stronger than before.
The Future of Jordan Chiles
With this breakthrough, Chiles’ career trajectory looks brighter than ever. She’s no longer just in Simone’s shadow—she’s carving out her own legacy, one routine at a time.
What This Means for Simone Biles
Interestingly, Chiles’ triumph doesn’t overshadow Biles. Instead, it reinforces the significance of Simone’s decision to step back. If anything, it proves that her courage opened the door for athletes like Chiles to succeed in their own way.
Conclusion
Jordan Chiles’ story isn’t just about gymnastics—it’s about resilience, friendship, and breaking free from mental barriers. By overcoming the same issue that Simone Biles once heavily struggled with, Chiles has not only secured her place in gymnastics history but also inspired a new generation to believe that mental and physical strength go hand in hand.
The world of gymnastics will never be the same, and honestly, that’s the best part.
