Jordan Chiles is back and making moves—not only on the gymnastics mat but also with her recent foray back to the NCAA and her burgeoning media presence. This 23-year-old gymnast gained widespread recognition during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and shone even brighter at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was part of the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s team. Now, she’s taking bold steps as she prepares to make her return to collegiate gymnastics, along with some exciting media appearances.
Chiles, who carved her path to becoming an influential figure within gymnastics, made headlines after winning the gold as part of Team USA at the Paris Olympics. She previously snagged silver during her debut at the Tokyo Games, establishing herself as one of the sport’s top contenders. This year, her efforts saw her also win multiple championships, becoming the all-around Winter Cup and Pan American Games champion. With all this momentum, Chiles decided to return to UCLA, which many believe will significantly benefit her career.
The news of Chiles’ return to UCLA was welcomed with enthusiasm. Many saw it as not just another collegiate stint; it symbolizes the increasing prominence of female athletes and their financial potential through new Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rules. With her experience and accolades, Chiles is expected to pave the way for aspiring gymnasts and female athletes in general. Just as followers have seen with Olivia Dunne, her teammate College Gymnastics trends span across social media and might help her increase her market value.
Chiles isn’t just relying on her sports career to build her brand; she also leaped at the opportunity to become part of the fabled Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for 2025. Joining this high-profile project puts Chiles alongside other high-caliber athletes, showcasing their personalities and beauty beyond the confines of competitive sports. MJ Day, the editor-in-chief of Sports Illustrated, celebrated the launch of the 2025 issue, emphasizing how the magazine has been featuring powerful female athletes who redefine the game. "This remarkable group embodies the next generation of all-stars poised to transform the world of sports," she stated.
Chiles is already receiving support and gifts from some major names, showcasing the strength of her network. Recently, Grammy Award-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion gifted the gymnast a lavish golden Chanel bag, worth approximately $10.5K. Excitedly sharing her appreciation on social media, Chiles exclaimed, "Never had the opportunity to post this, but thank you, friend!!!! The best gift ever," tagging Megan and acknowledging the token's sentimental value. Alongside the bag, she received stunning headphones customized by Kim Kardashian—a fitting complement to her high-profile connections.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, Chiles has also been dealing with personal challenges arising from the controversial stripping of her bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Initially awarded the medal, it was later rescinded following legal disputes triggered by the Romanian authorities, who argued her performance wasn’t judged correctly. This turmoil made headlines, but it hasn’t deterred Chiles. She continues to embrace the support from her fans and fellow athletes.
The outpouring of love and gifts isn’t just confined to luxury items. The support provides moral backing during uncertain times, demonstrating the community spirit embedded within sports culture. During her heartwarming interactions with fans and other celebrities, it’s clear she’s more than just Olympic accolades; she inspires countless individuals across the nation. Her resilience was on display when she opened up at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit, speaking on the emotional toll associated with losing the recognition her hard work earned.
This next chapter for Chiles is significant for many reasons. Her return to collegiate gymnastics at UCLA puts her right back where she started and allows her to spend more time developing her skills within the sport. It also indicates promising new beginnings for financial empowerment due to her participation in NIL deals, especially when compared to the earnings of other athletes like Dunne. She stands to be the second-highest-paid NCAA athlete if she capitalizes on her growing popularity, only trailing Dunne’s remarkable $4 million valuation.
Chiles is certainly trailblazing, but it’s going to take considerable effort to catch up financially to Dunne’s impressive standings. With public opinion shifting and the dynamics of sports media transforming to embrace athletes' multi-faceted identities, both gymnasts are positioned to inspire change within collegiate sports and beyond. Chiles’ inclusion with Sports Illustrated offers her valuable exposure, but it’s also pivotal as it reinforces the narrative of female athletes seizing control of their representation.
Wrapping up her time on the American gymnastics scene, Chiles continues forging her brand, ensuring her name resonates well beyond just the gymnastics competition. It’s not just about medals anymore—it's about leveraging opportunity, connecting with audiences, and breaking barriers. The gymnastics world is watching her thoughtfully navigate these stages under the spotlight.
So what’s next for Jordan Chiles? She may very well be standing at the forefront of change—a change that's not only shaping gymnastics but also casting light on the immense potential female athletes hold, both on and off the mat. The future looks bright, and with media appearances starting to stack up, Chiles might just redefine what it means to be not just an athlete but also a powerhouse figure outside of gymnastics.
The final chapter is far from written, and with Jordan Chiles back on the NCAA stage and gaining traction within influential circles, it’s clear her mark on history is still being forged—one gold medal, one photo shoot, and one heartfelt accolade at a time.