Jordan Chiles channels iconic Michael Jackson move during the floor routine in her NCAA season debut for UCLA Gymnastics

Jordan Chiles made her much-anticipated return to collegiate gymnastics as the 2025 NCAA women's gymnastics season kicked off on January 3. During the event, the Olympic champion incorporated signature moves from her inspiration, Michael Jackson, into her routine.

On the uneven bars, Chiles captured the King of Pop's sharp footwork, dramatic poses, and rhymic hand gestures, mirroring his unparalleled stage presence. Competing against Jade Carey and the California Golden Bears, the gold medalist performed in three events for the Bruins team: vault, floor, and bars. She received a score of 9.9+ in each routine.

In a January 2025 post by ESPNW, Chiles was seen performing her routine, imitating Jackson's iconic moves. The post was captioned:

"From Prince to Beyoncé, Jordan Chiles knows talent 🤩 (📹 @uclagymnastics)"

In an interview with Athleisuremag.com in September 2024, Chiles reflected on her first-ever floor routine as a child, a tribute to Michael Jackson. She shared how this moment set the one for her creative approach to gymnastics.

Chiles stated that pop culture icons like Jackson continue to inspire her performances, influencing how she incorporates their legacies into her routines.

"When it comes to my floor routine, the first one that I had, I was really little and it was Michael Jackson, and I did a tribute to him. I think that it's really about the culture and the music and how opo culture has kind of changed the atmosphere into what it means to putting your own touch and taste to it - your own piece- like your cherry on top you know," she said.

Jordan Chiles has not only drawn inspiration from Michael Jackson but also shared her enthusiasm for Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour Outfit.

Jordan Chiles on being inspired by pop stars for her floor routines

Jordan Chiles at Gymnastics during the Paris 2024 Olympics. - Source: Getty

Jordan Chiles drew inspiration from Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour look for her floor routine at the US Gymnastics Championships. She captured the vibe of Beyoncé's concert during her performance, wearing a custom-designed leotard.

The design was based on an outfit the pop star wore on the tour, featuring a kaleidoscope of colors and patterns, including pink stripes, orange, blue, green, and pink checkered prints.

The leotard was embellished with about 4,400 crystals, with a focal point of being a jewel on the front, replicating the singer's customized necklace and body chain. At the 2024 US Gymnastics Championships, Chiles recreated two looks - a multicolored Pucci catsuit and a glittering bodysuit with a white feather cape.

During the Grammy-winner's show in Houston, the gymnast spoke with Chioma Nnadi and Chloé Malle, recalling the moment she decided to custom-make the lead singer's designs. She said, via people.com:

"It inspired me so much that I literally went on her social media, went through her whole entire Instagram account to find these outfits, I was like, 'I have to make a Beyoncé-themed Renaissance tour for gymnastics."

Jordan Chiles claimed the vault title in her 2025 NCAA women's gymnastics event.