2017, Vancouver, Washington: Jordan Chiles felt sick to her stomach. The small room felt like a prison—one that would swallow her whole. The shelves adorned with multiple medals since the time Jordan was six, felt like they were not achievements, but a painful reminder of everything the young gymnast had to give up. Promptly, the then 16-year-old made an earnest request to her mother, Gina Chiles. “I don’t want them in my room anymore,” she said. While the mother initially tried to reason, she understood. After all, pain was not objective.

Gina still remembers how one coach cut Jordan’s braids because they made her neck too short. She remembers how Jordan was asked just to drink soup, not to gain weight or muscles because she was already “too muscular”. She remembered how her young daughter’s hair was called “too poufy” and how it seemingly made it look like Jordan had two heads. Time and again, the young girl was criticized because she had a “bad attitude” and was encouraged not to voice her opinions too much. As a teenager, the repercussions were wide and deep. A little girl, who once preferred standing upside down and bouncing off furniture, started hating her greatest love.

The last straw was another incident earlier that year. Jordan had just landed from a long flight after missing a spot for an international meet. As usual, Gina had gone to pick her up, and instead of a smiling Jordan, she was greeted by a girl who couldn’t stop crying. When they reached home, neither of them got out of the car. For over an hour, the mother-daughter duo cried. “I didn’t understand that it had gotten that bad for her. So I apologized like crazy. I told her: ‘I’m so sorry. I missed it. I messed up. It’s my job to protect you, and I made a big mistake’,” Gina recalled. But, soon after, the mother got a ray of hope. Simone Biles. Next year, Chiles moved to Texas to train with her big sister under Cecile Landi. It worked. Slowly, but surely, Chiles worked toward mending her relationship with the sport. And three years later, it paid off—a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics was like a reminder that everything was not lost. Yet, as we all know, life likes to make the cruelest of jokes when you’re least expecting it…

As a bronze medal debacle and public humiliation left Jordan Chiles breathless, embarrassed, and wanting to cower in a corner last year, Gina was always there ready to support and protect. And even now, almost a year later, the mother never forgets to keep that tradition intact. One of the latest instances came on March 25 when UCLA Gymnastics lit up X with a post celebrating their No. 5 national ranking overall and No. 1 in floor exercise for the regular season. The Bruins were shining, and guess who was right there to boost the spotlight? Gina reposted it, proudly backing her daughter Jordan Chiles, who topped the floor exercise leaderboard alongside her standout teammates. Fast forward to April 3, and the Bruins brought the heat again! In a high-stakes regional semifinal, UCLA dropped a massive 197.680 to punch their ticket to the regional final on Saturday, April 5—and of course, Gina wasn’t going to miss that party either. How? 

The vault squad was on fire, putting up a season-high 49.450, led by Jordan Chiles, who soared to a stunning 9.950. But let’s not forget the teammate who matched that energy by scoring 9.925 on vault and a sizzling 9.950 on floor! We’re talking about Brooklyn Moors, who earned the honor of slapping the advancement sticker on the board—an epic Bruins tradition. Immediately after Mama Chiles hit Instagram with that proud-mom energy, shouting: “Moving on!!!!!” And moving on to what? A gymnastics battle against another ranked squad, Minnesota. 

Yes- a plot twist! Over in the Utah Regionals, the No. 12 golden leotards turned heads by dropping a very Bruins-esque 197.200. That’s right — they’re also heading to the Saturday showdown. So… should UCLA be worried? Maybe. Maybe not. That’s the magic (and madness) of gymnastics. In knockout rounds, anything can happen. But one thing’s for sure — the Bruins aren’t backing down. And with Jordan, Brooklyn, and a stacked squad locked in, Saturday is going to be a SHOW. And why shouldn’t it be? 

Talk about a fairytale season! After storming through their inaugural Big Ten campaign undefeated, UCLA Gymnastics didn’t just show up at the Big Ten Championships — they made history. The Bruins dropped a season-high 198.450, which also happens to be the highest team score in Big Ten Championship history. Yeah, that part. Fast forward to Thursday’s Regional Semifinal, and the No. 5-seeded Bruins kept the momentum rolling with a 197.680 — their third-highest score of the season. And they didn’t just win… they dominated. Their scores easily outpointed: No. 12 Minnesota – 197.210, Southern Utah – 196.415 and, Boise State – 196.115.  Meanwhile, Jordan Chiles. Brooklyn Moors. Chase Campbell. The whole squad is peaking exactly when it matters. The vibes?

Immaculate. The mission? Regional final on Saturday and a ticket to Nationals. The coach already celebrated the moment. Her words? “I couldn’t be more proud of them. I feel they’ve learned a lot this season, and they’ve really been in it together from start to finish, and that’s showing up in these really big moments for us.”

So, will there be another occasion for Mama Chiles to celebrate? Let the time come. Let’s take a moment to review what she shared on another special day this week.

Gina didn’t miss Jordan Chiles’s special day 

March 31 started like any other day for UCLA Gymnastics fans—until the Bruins’ official X-handle hit the timeline with some major news. Six Bruins had just been named Regular Season All-Americans, proving once again why this team is one of the most dominant forces in the sport. But two names stood out just a little more: Jordan Chiles and Chae Campbell. Not only did they secure the prestigious honor, but they did it in multiple events, showcasing their versatility, skill, and pure star power. In the meantime, the gymternet erupted, celebrating the latest accolades for this powerhouse squad. But then came a post that made everyone pause.

Gina Chiles, the ultimate gym mom, the forever cheerleader, the one who never misses a moment, dropped a simple yet jaw-dropping message: “13-time All-American.” No hashtags. No extra words. Just a statement—a reminder of the dominance, the hard work, and the legacy her daughter, Jordan Chiles, is building. Thirteen times. A number that speaks for itself. Now, as the Bruins continue their postseason journey, one thing is clear: history is being written in real time. And if this season has shown us anything, it’s that Jordan Chiles and her teammates aren’t done yet!