"I didn’t learn to stand my ground until I met Simone Biles"- Jordan Chiles credits the decorated gymnast for inspiring her to embrace her true self

Jordan Chiles credited Simone Biles for inspiring her to know her true self. She explained how the legendary gymnast changed her life during her initial years of journey to the Olympics.

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles first met in the US during the world championship trials in 2018. The two developed a connection which later turned into a strong friendship.

Biles' friendship and mentorship not only helped Chiles grow in her life but also made her become what she is today. Chiles said that when she was struggling with focus in gymnastics, Biles asked her to join her World Champions Center. In 2018, Chiles felt a loss in performance and self-confidence. Knowing all these, Biles took a step forward and helped her rediscover skills.

Recently, in an interview with CNN, Chiles said that she understood the importance of 'standing my ground'. She further added:

"Understanding that my story is my story, 'I'm the one who's writing it, and I didn't learn to stand my ground until I met her (Biles)."

At last, Chiles concluded:

"Having somebody like her, whether people see it or don't see it - and I've been behind the scenes of what she's gone through - it's definitely cool to finally see that people are understanding where she's coming from, not just as an athlete, but also as a human."

Since the Tokyo Olympics, both athletes have set an example of friendship and mental strength. In Tokyo, when Biles withdrew from the women's all-around final to focus on her mental health, Chiles stepped up, supporting Biles' decision, and bagged a silver medal for the USA team.

Simone Biles on witnessing Jordan Chiles' growth

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles at 2024 Summer Olympics - Day 10 / Getty

Simone Biles also spoke on witnessing Jordan's growth from their young competition days to adulthood. Their experiences during the Olympics and the Gold over America Tour have strengthened their friendship as well as mutual support.

In an interview with Teen Vogue in July 2024, she said:

"Seeing Jordan’s growth has been exciting. You always want to see your friends thriving and leveling up. So to watch her from her younger years into her early adulthood has been a privilege.”

Following their events in 2024, both of them were a part of the Gold Over America Tour 2024 launched by Simone Biles after the Tokyo Olympics 2020. In contrast to 2021 GOAT, this year, it included well-known male gymnasts such as Fred Richard, Yul Moldauer, and Paul Juda, along with other participants.

This year's tour celebrated the success of the Paris Olympics 2024 and ended on 3 November in Detroit, Michigan with a dinner party along with her fellow gymnasts.