Since stepping onto the world’s biggest gymnastics stage and securing both gold and bronze medals at the 2024 Summer Olympics, to being stripped of one, Jordan Chiles has been on an incredible journey. From embarking on a press tour to releasing her memoir, I’m That Girl, in March, she has had little time to slow down. Yet, amidst all the chaos, she made a crucial decision—to return to her junior year at UCLA. While she has always been open about her challenges, Chiles acknowledges that her time with the Bruins has been a “blessing in disguise” now.
During a recent appearance on SportsCenter, Chiles discussed her book and reflected on the whirlwind of experiences over the past several months. When asked how she managed to navigate it all, she responded with an unwavering sense of optimism: “The best thing that I can do—and you know, I’m at UCLA now—I’m doing amazing there with my teammates. We’re doing great things, so I just kind of realized, you know, this blessing in disguise has only made me stronger and brighter. And you know, I’m going to continue to push forward in everything that I can.”
This resilience has translated into remarkable achievements. Chiles recently earned a perfect 10.0 on the uneven bars—the second perfect score of the NCAA season—before a record-setting crowd at the Maryland gymnastics meet. Her performance only cemented her status as one of the most electrifying athletes in collegiate gymnastics and also contributed to UCLA securing its first-ever Big Ten conference win. Her presence in the sport continues to be undeniably profound, with Time recognizing her as one among their “Women of the Year.”
Her influence extends beyond competition. Earlier this season, Chiles passionately encouraged fans to show up in support of the Bruins. The response? An electric atmosphere at Pauley Pavilion, where a program-record 12,918 fans attended the final meet. Her collegiate career has been sort of, no-no, actually legendary—winning individual NCAA titles on floor and uneven bars, earning All-American honors nine times, and achieving 10 whole 10s, including a show-stopping routine to a Prince medley this year.
Looking at her journey, it’s clear that UCLA has been more than just a stepping stone; it has been a corner stone, it has been a sanctuary for growth, strength, and excellence. As she continues to shine, both on and off the mat, Chiles proves that setbacks pave the way for something even greater. Her time with the Bruins has indeed been a blessing in disguise, shaping her into the powerhouse she is today. Her new book is already a bestseller, but do you know where she got the inspiration for its name?
Jordan Chiles talks new memoir and BTS deets of name inspo
Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles has captivated audiences once again, but this time, it’s not just through her skills on the mat. Her new memoir, I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams, has topped charts, offering fans an up-close look at her journey. In the book, Chiles opens up about one of the toughest moments of her career – losing her bronze medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. Reflecting on the ruling, she writes, “One of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many.” Featuring never-before-shared details, the memoir chronicles her path from a gymnastics-loving six-year-old to a two-time Olympian decorated in gold and silver.
In the same interview with SportsCenter, Chiles also spoke about the inspiration behind the book’s title. When asked, she explained, “I’m That Girl really came from an affirmation I was telling myself all of 2024. It came from one of Beyoncé’s songs, actually. After the Renaissance tour, I was like, you know what, this song really resonates with me, and I just used it all through 2024.” That self-belief carried her through a historic moment at the Olympics, where she won her first individual medal, a bronze in the women’s floor exercise.
That victory placed her on the podium alongside Simone Biles, who took silver, and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade, who claimed gold. It was a groundbreaking moment, marking the first time three Black women had shared an Olympic gymnastics podium. The image of the trio together quickly went viral. Chiles’ name is in the NCAA history books as well. She became one of just three collegiate gymnasts to win three or more Olympic medals while still competing in the NCAA, joining her 2024 teammates, Suni Lee of Auburn and Jade Carey of Oregon State.
From Olympic success to collegiate dominance and now literary achievement, Chiles continues to push boundaries. I’m That Girl is more than just a memoir—it’s a testament to resilience, self-belief, and the power of dreaming big. As she forges ahead, her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and fans alike, proving that she truly is that girl.
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