“I’m THAT girl“: Taking inspiration from Beyoncé’s seventh studio album, Renaissance, Jordan Chiles is looking to prove this statement at the upcoming Paris Olympics. She made it to the Final Five after putting on an incredible show at the Target Center during the U.S. Gymnastics Olympic Trials last month. But as she makes her way to the French capital, the 2020 Olympic silver medalist has taken on a surprising new role on the team.
Jordan Chiles has always admired track icon Florence Griffith Joyner, who sported long acrylic nails, fashion-forward leotards, and her signature blown-out hair. The fastest woman ever was miles ahead of her time, and the elite gymnast realized that she could take that legacy forward. After embarking on her own personal style journey, Chiles is now ready to turn heads in more ways than one. But how will she showcase this in the French capital?
Jordan Chiles helps the Final Five look flawless
The 2023 Pan American Games vault silver medalist has already enthralled fans with her stellar performances on the mat. But her best friend and queen of gymnastics, Simone Biles, confesses that there’s more to Chiles than that. “She’s the [hair] braider on the team.” Jordan Chiles has taken on the new role of Team USA’s hairstylist. “We can all go to her for braids.” If you come to find everyone looking snatched on the mat, you know who to thank for that!
But this new role shouldn’t come across as a surprise to many. Jordan Chiles has always shown up looking mesmerizing, both off and on the mat. However, this wasn’t an easy transition for the gymnast. In conversation with Harper’s Bazaar, the 2018 U.S. vault silver medalist opened up about how she eventually found her style. “I had to be able to figure out how to embrace myself and my beauty.” Growing up, she often stood out from her peers and struggled to fit in. But as she started competing, things changed.
She eventually found inspiration by looking at how Flo Jo carried herself off the track. “I thought: ‘Okay, if she was able to do that on track, why can’t we do that in other sports? Why can’t I do that with gymnastics?” She stated that even though there’s a certain way you’re supposed to look in gymnastics, she wanted to bring her own style to the sport. “If I can do really cool and unique fashion looks with my leotards, why can’t I also do that with my makeup or my hair?” So that’s just what she did!
At the 2024 U.S. Gymnastics Championships, the gymnast stepped onto the mat, looking every bit like an icon. Chiles is a part of the BeyHive and wanted to replicate an outfit Beyoncé wore during her Renaissance world tour. Collaborating with GK Elite, the 2021 Winter Cup balance beam silver medalist stepped out in a bedazzled leotard. Featuring an alluring checkered pattern of orange, green, and pink, it also had bright red and pink stripes going across the front. Chiles also incorporated the necklace and chain worn by Queen B, with a few jewels on the neckline. Oh, by the way, did you know that Chiles has a personal token of appreciation shared by her icon?
She has two icons in her corner leading up to Paris
After making it through to the Paris Olympics, Chiles celebrated with a few pictures on Instagram. She captioned the post, “album: a girl who made her second Olympics 🙏🏽🥹💐” But her Olympic experience was about to get so much better. On July 17, the gymnast shared a picture of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album art and a sweet little note from the queen herself: “Congrats to you Queen. Always watch you with pride and admiration,” a heartwarming message that left Chiles spellbound. But this wasn’t even half of it.
The Lemonade singer had so much more to say! “Thank you for repping us. Good luck to you! All your hard work and sacrifices shine bright.” Beyoncé stated that she would be praying for her and ended the note with something that had Chiles screaming and crying. “Love, your twin, Beyoncé,” referring to when the gymnast sported her iconic leotard back in May. However, this wasn’t the only legend backing Chiles up.
The greatest all-around player in the history of basketball also wished her well before she made the trip to Paris. Her namesake started off by saying, “Hey Jordan, this is Michael Jordan. I am so excited to watch you win a gold medal.” In a video posted by NBA on June 4, Chiles talks about how basketball has always been a part of her life. “Here’s to wishing you nothing but good luck. Let’s catch up afterwards. Hope to see you soon.” He signed off by simply stating, “Btw love the name😆” Chiles stated how her mom was a huge fan of his, and seeing how she was inspired by him, she decided to give her daughter the legend’s name.
In 5 days, the opening ceremony will commence in the French capital. Jordan Chiles and the Final Five are looking to turn heads at the Bercy Arena. So be prepared for some amazing performances and stunning looks from the gymnasts. Chiles might have missed out on an individual medal at the 2020 Summer Games, but will she walk away with an Olympic gold to her name this time around? We will soon find out. Stay tuned for an epic show!
