How Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles Became Gymnastics’ Favorite Duo
Aug 5, 2024; Paris, France; Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles of the United States poses for a photo after day three of the gymnastics event finals during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2024; Paris, France; Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles of the United States poses for a photo after day three of the gymnastics event finals during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
From practising together to winning Olympic medals, gymnastics stars Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles are the epitome of teamwork makes dreamwork. But how did the two kick it off?
While Biles has revolutionized the sport in ways never seen before, Chiles has always been by her side in the most crucial moments. And it all started when Chiles was on the verge of giving up on the sport in 2017.
“Biles could see that Chiles was struggling after not making the World Championships team in 2017...” Popsugar writer Emily Weaver noted. “She believed that with the right coaches and support, Chiles had a real shot at making the US Olympic team, so she offered her a spot at her gym.”
Aug 5, 2024; Paris, France; Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles of the United States celebrate after winning silver and bronze in floor exercise on day three of the gymnastics event finals during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 5, 2024; Paris, France; Jordan Chiles and Simone Biles of the United States celebrate after winning silver and bronze in floor exercise on day three of the gymnastics event finals during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games. Mandatory Credit: Jack Gruber-USA TODAY Sports
And it didn’t take long. Chiles moved from Washington to Spring, Texas, and started training with Biles. They both made it to the 2020 Tokyo Games, where Chiles even filled in for Biles, who withdrew from several individual events.
When the “twisties” marred Biles’ run, Chiles, who was originally scheduled only for vault and floor exercise, competed on uneven bars and beams as well. And her performance helped the US team secure a silver.
Best friends on the mats or off, both Biles and Chiles always had each other’s backs. And their statements backed up their actions.
Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles Have Been Vocal About Each Other
Following Chiles’ qualification for the Tokyo Games, a tearful Biles didn’t waste time to embrace her peer. And during a 2021 appearance on The Today Show, the former UCLA gymnast expressed her heartfelt gratitude for Biles.
“I already, at the beginning, was kind of tearing up. But I didn't know what the outcome was going to be…” she said. “And having (Biles) by my side 24/7 and giving me encouraging words every day definitely helped, and it was very motivational. Very happy to have someone like her."
And it wasn’t a one-way traffic. Biles, an Olympic veteran at that time, also expressed her feelings on seeing Chiles try her best and secure the spot she deserved all along.
"It's been exciting to watch her grow in and out of the gym," she told ESPN. "I see her pushing herself every day, which is inspiring."
Both gymnasts again teamed up at the 2024 Paris Games and helped the US team secure a gold medal run, proving why they’re the sport’s favorite duo.
What’s your opinion on their friendship? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy