How UCLA Alum Jordan Chiles won Olympic gold medal, while remaining true to himself

“Why should I try to dim myself instead of illuminating the whole world?”

Before Jordan Chiles earned a gold medal on Tuesday as a part of the U.S. women’s gymnastics team at the Paris Olympics in Paris, the UCLA student along with the Los Angeles resident learned being her true self can enable her to achieve her goals.

Her bubbly personality was difficult to miss. Beyonce along with another Olympic gold medallist Michael Jordan, whom the gymnast’s name was derived from, reached out to Chiles with their best wishes prior to their 2024 Olympics.

Since her compassionate and caring side is naturally to her two time Olympian, Chiles stepped into the spotlight during the Tokyo Games when her trainer as well as a friend of hers, Simone Biles, stepped off the mat to concentrate on her mental health at this year’s Tokyo Olympics.

“Being being able to watch her go through the things she went through helped me understand that that she is indeed the greatest ever in our field, but is still going through the same things that everyone else has to go through.” Chiles observed.

Alongside Biles who is one of the most successful athletes on the planet Biles has also inspired Chiles to be honest and transparent about who she is.

“My personality is extremely lively and fun,” Chiles explained. “As I’ve aged I’ve kind of accepted it, since at the time, I seemed to think it was a bit irritating. Why should I dim myself when I can shine through everything?”

Being Jordan Chiles is also having a passion for her causes and being involved in charity work, such as initiatives with Girl Scouts and hospitals.

“Recently my aunt passed in a cancer-related death and I’m trying to know ways to help the many cancer patients, or be able to inform them that there’s always somebody there for them, regardless of the situation,” she explained.

Chiles is proud to be an Angeleno because her city Los Angeles welcomes anyone with big personalities like hers.

“I’ve known as an LA girl since I was a kid. UCLA was my ideal school and being capable of achieving everything I’ve accomplished with them, it’s a cake on top.”

Jordan quit the collegiate scene in 2023 to concentrate on preparing for the Olympic Olympics in Paris and the decision was rewarded. Jordan was selected for Team USA, with her UCLA coach in the sidelines at the Olympic trials in June.

“I really love her. She is a fan of my gymnastics. She will always say to me that ‘I love seeing you do so well. You have fun doing everything”” Chiles said.

As Chiles is soaking up every moment, which includes the time she stood on the Paris Olympics podium, where the gold medal was hung on her neck. She clasps her hands in a circle as she tattoos her fingers with “pray.’

“I always return to my quote: always be confident in your goals.”