Jordan Chiles’ gymnastics career at UCLA is over, so she's opening a new chapter in her life. The two-time Olympian said that competing in her final meet as a UCLA Bruin was one of the hardest things she’s had to do, even after years on the world’s biggest stages.

UCLA finished third in the semifinal round of the NCAA gymnastics championships, while Chiles claimed her second NCAA floor exercise title and the American Athletic, Inc. Award, one of college gymnastics’ premier senior honors.

In a recent interaction with Elite Daily, the 25-year-old reflected on her UCLA experience. She said, "My four years at UCLA were the best thing that could have ever happened to me. I represented those four letters as best as possible. So it was bittersweet."

The American gymnast said she felt the strongest emotions during the competition itself. "Going into the competition, I was fine, but then once I started competing, I was like, ‘Wait a minute, this is crazy. What’s going on?'" she added.

Now officially moving beyond college gymnastics, Jordan Chiles admitted she is still figuring out what comes next. "We’ll see where life takes me, but I definitely need some rest," she explained. "I’m going to take a few vacations, let my body get back to normal, and figure out what’s next."

Chiles is currently busy with the Dancing With the Stars tour and a partnership with Pure Leaf Mental Focus. She said the collaboration wth the iced tea brand aligns with her current lifestyle of balancing recovery, travel, and post-collegiate opportunities.

For Chiles, life after UCLA has become about taking it slow after heavy competition. "Being able to sit and really just be with family and acknowledge your accomplishments throughout it all puts me at ease," she said. "When it’s time to take a step back, I'm okay with it because I know it’s needed."

Jordan Chiles on recovery, reflection, and enjoying the Moment

Chiles is taking it easy out of the gym after years of non-stop training and competition. She shared that rest, family time, and simple comforts now play a major role in her routine.

This journey of enjoyment began with the celebration of becoming the floor champion at the 2026 NCAA Gymnastics championship in a very relatable way. She indulged in fast food, chicken nuggets, and ice cream during a "foodie night" with family and teammates.

The gymnast also discussed the importance of mental health and recovery. Jodan Chiles has prioritized quiet time alone to watching Netflix and listening to Beyonce, SZA, etc after long and pressure-filled competitions.

While she may not have any concrete plans for her future or a decision on competing in the 2028 LA Olympics, she appears to be focused on enjoying the now rather than rushing the next move. For one of gymnastics’ brightest stars, life after UCLA is just beginning.

Read more at the Gymnastics Digest!

Written by

Chitrak Mukherjee

Edited by

Yask Kotak