The clock is ticking down, and the tension is palpable as the NCAA Gymnastics Championships team final kicked of inside the electric atmosphere of Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. For fans, this is the moment we’ve been waiting for, with the top four teams—Oklahoma, Utah, Missouri, and UCLA—battling it out for glory. And at the heart of the Bruins’ charge is Olympic gold medalist Jordan Chiles, whose journey to this stage has been nothing short of inspiring. But just hours before she stepped onto the floor, an emotional lifeline comes her way, courtesy of her parents, who’ve sent a love-filled message that’s got us all cheering from the couch.  

That message, shared via the @uclagymnastics X account, features a colorful, grid-like image reminiscent of an old TV test screen, paired with the caption “From the parents, with love. 🫶 #GoBruins.” For Chiles, whose parents delivered a personal pep talk—“Jord, we are excited. We know that ur abt to crush this. U r abt to kill it. Lets go lets do it. Let’s do ur best, forget the rest. And we r proud of u babe. Good luck. All that good stuff. Y’all got it. Leave it all on the floor.”—this is more than just words; it’s a emotional boost from the stands.

Posted just a few hours before the final, it underscores the family’s support that’s fueled her comeback, especially after the Paris Olympics controversy. Fans can’t help but feel the pride and anticipation radiating from this moment—will this love propel her to a championship performance?  

Transitioning to the stakes at hand, the Bruins, led by stars like Chiles, are vying for their eighth national title, a feat that would cement their legacy in collegiate gymnastics. After a stellar semifinal performance on April 17, UCLA posted a team score of 197.7375, edging out defending champion LSU (197.525) to secure their spot in the final alongside Oklahoma (197.550), Utah (197.7625), and Missouri (197.300).

Chiles herself shone brightly, clinching the uneven bars title with a 9.975 and joining teammate Brooklyn Moors (floor, 9.9625) as individual champions. This squad, ranked No. 5 entering the championships, has defied odds to reach this point, with Chiles’ resilience—bolstered by her parents’ unwavering support—leading the charge. But with Oklahoma’s Jordan Bowers holding the all-around crown at 39.7125, can Chiles and the Bruins rise to the occasion and claim the title? 

Reactions from fellow gymnasts’ families add to the emotional charge

As the NCAA Gymnastics Championships team final looms, the support from parents isn’t limited to Jordan Chiles—other UCLA gymnasts are receiving their own heartfelt boosts. Riley’s dad stepped up with an enthusiastic message, “Hi Ry. You’ve got this. You know you got this. We are extremely proud of you. We are pinching ourselves, freshman year and we r already at nationals, so congratulations and have fun,” reflecting the awe and pride of seeing his daughter shine on this national stage as a first-year competitor.

Meanwhile, Frida’s dad kept it simple yet profound, “As I always say, enjoy the meet,” offering a steady reminder to savor the moment amidst the pressure. These personal notes from the stands are amplifying the team’s spirit, and as fans, we’re loving every second of this family-fueled hype—could this collective encouragement be the edge UCLA needs?

Kate’s dad and Brooklyn’s mom added their own layers of emotion to the mix, each with a perspective shaped by years of dedication. Kate’s dad shared, “It’s a big day. It’s been a long time coming. You deserve this,” acknowledging the hard-fought journey to this championship opportunity. Brooklyn’s mom went deeper, recalling, “Since you were 3, you worked so hard. I told you so many times your time will come. Your dad and I are so proud of you,” tying her daughter’s success to a lifetime of effort that’s now culminating in the final.

Together, these parental reactions paint a picture of a team backed by unwavering love, and as the Bruins gear up to face Oklahoma, Utah, and Missouri, one can’t help but wonder if this emotional support will translate into a historic eighth title.