Jordan Chiles might have missed out on an Olympic bronze medal due to a technical error, but honestly? It feels like a blessing in disguise. That moment sparked something bigger. Since then, the 24-year-old gymnast has been rewriting her story, showing the world exactly who she is and what she can do.
She’s left behind the mental struggles, verbal and emotional abuse, and even the body-shaming that once weighed her down. Today, Jordan is embracing every part of herself, flaws, muscles, curves, and confidence, and she’s letting the world see the real her as she recently revealed.
Just recently, Jordan shared a powerful video on Instagram in collaboration with Nike Strength. In it, she’s training hard in the gym, rocking the Nike Universa Legging, Indy Bra, Nike Pro gear, and Free Metcon 6 shoes. But what hit home was her raw honesty. She admitted, “Embracing my body actually took me a while… I was going through hard times, wondering if I was beautiful. I didn’t like wearing certain things because I didn’t feel like a woman. But I had to realize every woman isn’t the same. My body is my temple… God didn’t create this body for no reason—I just wanna embrace who I am and be that girl.” That vulnerability? Powerful.
Since officially partnering with Nike in 2023, Jordan has become a key face of the brand’s commitment to empowering female athletes. From debuting a new Nike Air Max at a Mets game in September 2024 to appearing in Nike’s first Super Bowl ad in 27 years this past February, she’s been making bold moves. But getting to this level of confidence wasn’t easy. She once admitted, “I used to call myself ugly every day.” Now? She’s proof that healing, growth, and self-love are real—and that strength doesn’t just show up in medals. But how did these body image issues affect her mind? Where did it all start?
Jordan Chiles’ journey to self-acceptance
Jordan Chiles grew up in gymnastics under the weight of more than just physical expectations, she faced harsh body shaming from a former coach who restricted her to just 800 calories a day and criticized her appearance constantly. She was even called cruel names like “doughnut” and “sack of potatoes,” despite being a high-performing athlete. The pressure left deep emotional scars. “There were just times where my self-esteem got to a point where I didn’t want to be on the earth anymore,” she admitted, opening up about the emotional toll of years spent feeling not good enough in her own skin.
Everything began to shift when she moved to train alongside Simone Biles in a healthier, more supportive environment. With therapy and a new mindset, Jordan slowly repaired her relationship with food and her body. She stopped feeling guilty for simply eating and began recognizing her power, both mental and physical. “I’ve embraced every single aspect of who I am,” she said. “And I’ve embraced the amazing body that I have.” That shift didn’t just change how she performed, it changed how she saw herself, from the inside out.
Now, Jordan Chiles is more than just an Olympian! She’s a voice for body positivity and mental health in sports. Her 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover wasn’t just a photo shoot; it was a statement. “Our bodies are our bodies. Nobody can take that away,” she declared. Her journey, once marked by shame and silence, is now one of confidence, healing, and bold self-love, a story she hopes inspires others to reject toxic standards and own their worth.
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