The Pauley Pavilion witnessed a fantastic showdown between the Michigan State and UCLA Bruins on February 1. Jordan Chiles was the star of the show without a doubt, scoring her second perfect ten on the floor exercise. During the Bruins vs. Maryland showdown on Jan 18, the Oregon native snatched her first perfect 10 of this season. Moreover, Chiles’ team scored the nation’s best 49.800 in the floor exercise event. It was the Bruins’ highest score on the floor since 2020. What a day to be a UCLA Bruins fan!
The competition ended with a thumping victory of the Bruins (197.300) over Michigan State (197.200). Moreover, the Pauley Pavilion showdown ought to be memorable for another reason as well. Here’s what it is.
The gymnastics match is one for the history books
The February 1 gymnastics match between UCLA Bruins and Michigan State was the first one in the history of college gymnastics to be televised nationwide. Thanks to FOX, people across the country could watch the teams face each other off. It was a big win for everyone. The data claims that the broadcasting company hit bingo on the first day. According to the data released by the Big Ten Conference, 761,000 people sat in front of the television to watch the match. How crazy is that?
Everyone watches women’s sports! https://t.co/E00pndG5NC
— UCLA Gymnastics (@uclagymnastics) February 5, 2025
That night, the Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom witnessed 10,681 fans shouting and dancing to every beat of the match. Given the inconsistencies that have plagued gymnastics, these numbers are nothing short of spectacular. Also, enter the NFL season. Jordan’s squad marked the number when the NFL playoffs are on the cards. However, the 23-year-old Chiles had to deal with another demon to show up on February 1 against Michigan State.
Jordan Chiles ignores her boundaries to claim the glory
Before the defeat on Saturday at the Bruins’ home turf, Michigan State gymnastics hadn’t tasted any loss this season. The team had to defeat Jordan Chiles’ UCLA Bruins to remain steadfast on its path to glory. And if you watched the match, you might know that the Spartans almost had it. Before moving to rotation 4, the program had an advantage of a point, almost. But Jordan Chiles had another plan.
In the anchor leg of the floor exercise, she scored the perfect ten. She did so while ignoring her sickness. Before the match on Saturday, the Olympic champion had been dealing with high ever on Wednesday the very same week. Yet she didn’t decide to sit still and watch the match from the sidelines. Instead, she joined her teammates to emerge victorious against the Spartans. Her determination and resilience truly sets the Oregon native apart from the rest. This is why she is one of our favorites!
On February 2, sharing an Instagram post, the Olympian was giddy with joy and excitement. In the post, Jordan wrote, “Words can’t describe how grateful I am to be a part of such an amazing team!! @uclagymnastics You guys have made me re-love competing and being out on a competition floor, and I thank you . It’s been 6 months, and I finally found the joy again . To the alum, fans, and student-athletes, thank you .” The college gymnastics community might thank her for standing up in this pivotal moment. Way to go, UCLA Bruins!
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