The Surprising Connection Between Jordan Chiles and Michael Jordan That Fuels Her Success
April 16, 2026, Frot Worth, Texas, USA: FORT WORTH, TX : UCLAÃââ s JORDAN CHILES during warm ups prior to the start of Session II of the NCAA, College League, USA WomenÃââ s Gymnastics National Championships at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on Thursday. Frot Worth USA - ZUMAm257 20260416_zsp_m257_083 Copyright: xBrianxMcLeanx
April 16, 2026, Frot Worth, Texas, USA: FORT WORTH, TX : UCLAÃââ s JORDAN CHILES during warm ups prior to the start of Session II of the NCAA, College League, USA WomenÃââ s Gymnastics National Championships at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on Thursday. Frot Worth USA - ZUMAm257 20260416_zsp_m257_083 Copyright: xBrianxMcLeanx
Sharing her name with the NBA icon Michael Jordan, gymnastics star Jordan Chiles once revealed how the connection is not just about names, but something deeper.
Having won NCAA, World, and Olympic championship titles, Chiles has pretty much done it all. And in an exclusive 2023 interview with PEOPLE, the Olympic gold medalist revealed how her name helps her grind.
"Keeping that grind, keeping that motivation, keeping that dedication, is something that's always stuck with me,” Chiles spoke of being named after the NBA legend. “Because I have big goals and I want to accomplish them."
Apr 19, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins gymnast Jordan Chiles performs on floor exercise during the 2025 Women's National Gymnastics Championship at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Apr 19, 2025; Fort Worth, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins gymnast Jordan Chiles performs on floor exercise during the 2025 Women's National Gymnastics Championship at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Chiles’ mother, a "huge fan" of the Chicago Bulls star, named her daughter after the legend. And bearing the same name as one of the greatest athletes, Chiles held her head high and her game steady.
She is one of the only four female gymnasts, alongside Kyla Ross, Madison Kocian, and Sunisa Lee, to achieve elite success at the Olympic, World, and NCAA levels. She has made NCAA history with a career total of 19 perfect 10s.
However, finding inspiration and motivation from the NBA legend wasn’t enough. The former UCLA gymnast had a bigger dream.
Jordan Chiles Dreamt of a Meeting With Michael Jordan
Other than the names, Chiles’ ambition, desire to take up challenges and succeed are all too similar to MJ. While having a competitive nature fueled Chiles’ run, she also expressed the desire to meet MJ someday.
"I'm crossing my fingers that I'll actually be able to meet him. And just get his advice for being somebody that looks up to him, what he gives out," she said to PEOPLE. “I love being challenged in a way. So I'm going to do anything very challenging and see where it takes me.”
Chiles received a personal text from MJ before the 2024 Paris Olympics, but the two of them have yet to meet in person. However, their digital connection suggests Chiles' dream might just come true someday.
Do you think Chiles will ever get to meet her idol? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Deblina Roy