Photo credit: Jordan Chiles
Jordan Chiles is setting her sights on another Olympic appearance.
The 25-year-old gymnast announced Wednesday that she plans to return to elite competition with the goal of representing Team USA at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Chiles shared the announcement in a video centered around a simple question: Why not?
Her decision comes two years after she helped the U.S. women’s gymnastics team win gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, she is preparing for another chance to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
Jordan Chiles Plans Olympic Comeback
Chiles is approaching her potential third Olympic Games with a different perspective.
Rather than following a predetermined timeline for her gymnastics career, she said she wants to continue competing because she still has more to give to the sport.
The upcoming LA28 Games hold special meaning for Chiles because Los Angeles is now her home.
She explained that she needed time to understand what returning to elite gymnastics would mean before making the decision.
For Chiles, the comeback is not about proving herself to critics or meeting outside expectations. Instead, she sees the opportunity as a chance to challenge herself and enjoy the process.
Jordan Chiles Wants to Compete in Los Angeles
The 2028 Olympics could bring Chiles back to the Games in a city that has become personally meaningful to her.
Her return would also give fans the opportunity to watch an experienced Olympic gymnast pursue another run at the highest level of competition.
Chiles competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and returned to the Olympic stage in Paris in 2024. She helped the U.S. team win gold in Paris, adding another major achievement to her career.
Now, she is beginning the process of working toward Los Angeles.
Famous Friends Join LA28 Announcement
Chiles received help from several recognizable names when she announced her plans.
Michael Jordan narrates her announcement video. Chiles was named after the basketball legend, adding another personal connection to the project.
Singer Normani and model Winnie Harlow also appear in the video.
Chiles additionally partnered with Houston rapper Paul Wall and celebrity jeweler Johnny Dang to create a custom grill featuring “LA28.”
The details helped turn her announcement into a celebration of her next chapter.
Jordan Chiles Joins UCLA Gymnastics Staff
Chiles’ Olympic comeback comes alongside a new role at UCLA.
The university announced Sept. 1 that the former Bruin would join its gymnastics program as a student coach under head coach Janelle McDonald.
She will pursue her return to elite competition while continuing her connection with the UCLA program.
The coaching position gives Chiles an opportunity to remain involved in gymnastics from another perspective while preparing for the possibility of competing again.
What’s Next for Jordan Chiles?
Chiles still has a long road ahead before she can officially compete at the 2028 Olympics.
She must return to elite competition, work through the qualification process and ultimately earn a place on the U.S. Olympic team.
For now, her message is clear: she is ready to see what is possible.
After Olympic success in Paris and years of experience at the highest level of gymnastics, Chiles is choosing to pursue another dream.
If she makes the 2028 U.S. Olympic team, Los Angeles could become the setting for the next major chapter of her gymnastics career.
Source: Essence and ESPN.
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