Jordan Chiles has revealed that she has never spoken to her friend and fellow gymnast Simone Biles about the abuse Biles suffered at the hands of disgraced former USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar.
In an interview with People ahead of the release of her memoir, I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams, Chiles shared why she has never brought up the painful subject with Biles.
“When that whole thing happened, trust me, I was devastated,” Chiles admitted. “Still, to this day, I’ve never talked to her about it. I don’t think I ever will because that was her life, and you never know how hard it is on somebody.”
Silent Support for a Friend
Instead of discussing the traumatic events, Chiles opted to support Biles in a different way—by simply being there for her.
“I think just having my presence was the best thing that I could give to her, rather than sitting down somewhere and having a whole conversation because that’s very devastating,” she explained. “If we ever have the conversation, I would literally probably [just] cry.”
Olympic Medal Heartbreak
Beyond her friendship with Biles, Chiles also opened up about one of the most painful moments of her career—losing her Olympic bronze medal.
In an excerpt from her book, she recalled the moment she learned of the ruling while sitting in a car.
“I’m surprised everyone couldn’t hear the sound of my heart breaking, because it absolutely did, there in that back seat,” she wrote. “My brain stopped even functioning within my body. Somewhere far away, I could see my mom shaking her head, and hear her saying, ‘Why? Why!’”
Looking Ahead to the 2028 Olympics
Despite facing significant challenges in her gymnastics career, Chiles remains open to the possibility of competing in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
“It’s not a yes, but it’s not a no. I’m allowed to want a lot of things for myself,” she shared. “Of course, an individual medal is something I continue to strive for. But I know myself, and I know the work and effort I put in [in Paris], and that was a history-making podium. I’m just very proud that I was a part of that.”
Chiles concluded with an inspiring message about perseverance and ambition.
“At the end of the day, I always just tell people, ‘I’m just like you guys. I’m trying to strive for greatness—just like everybody else.’”
Her memoir, I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams, is set to offer more insights into her journey, struggles, and triumphs as she continues to inspire the next generation of gymnasts.
