Jordan Chiles may still captivate fans with her charisma and athletic legacy. But the gymnast’s latest move suggests her competitive return remains uncertain. Ever since her runner up performance in the NCAA Championships, Chiles has been missing in action. And with the Worlds coming closer, her absence from the US National Team feels pretty significant. And thus, for followers hoping to see her mount the beam or sprint toward a vault anytime soon, her current pursuits offer a different kind of performance.

After stepping away from elite gymnastics following the Paris Olympics, Chiles reentered public view not in the gym but on campus. At UCLA, she made a considerable impact, helping lead the Bruins to an NCAA runner-up finish. Yet, once the season ended, she withdrew from the athletic spotlight almost entirely. Months passed without indication of a training schedule or a return to the competitive circuit. Now, Chiles has offered an update. But it does little to suggest she is preparing for a comeback.

In a social media post shared on Instagram, Chiles announced a collaboration with Airbnb for what she called an exclusive “Grounding + Glow Up + Vibe Check” experience. Chiles confirmed about teaching her fans tit-bits about how to master some of her own gymnastics flairs. But for the ones skeptical about whether to have a sound gymnastics  background to participate, Chiles has their back. While the event includes elements of her well-known floor routine, she was clear, “No flips required.” Partnering with airbnb, Chiles wrote, “I’m so excited to be partnering with @Airbnb to host an exclusive experience designed with YOU in mind. That Girl is bringing That Energy to LA! Join me Aug 12-13.” She described the gathering as a weekend focused on movement, mindset, and enjoyment. Terms more aligned with personal growth than athletic preparation. 

The language she used, emphasizing dance and flow over drills or technique, reinforced what her absence from competition already implied. She further wrote, “Whether you’re dancing or just finding your flow, let’s show up, shine, and own it together. Spots are ultra-limited so grab yours when tickets drop!” Chiles may not have retired outright, but there is no indication she intends to resume elite competition anytime soon.

This pivot comes after a difficult conclusion to her Olympic campaign. In Paris, Chiles was initially awarded a bronze medal in the floor exercise. However, the honor was later reassigned to Romania’s Ana Barbosu following a timing dispute over a score inquiry. The reversal, prompted by a technical violation involving her coach, added a layer of disappointment to an otherwise strong Olympic showing.

While Chiles has not publicly connected the incident to her decision to step away, the silence that followed, and the nature of her most recent announcement, suggest a change in direction. Whether she will return to elite gymnastics remains to be seen, but for now, her focus appears firmly elsewhere. Meanwhile, continuing her journey outside of gymnastics, Chiles recently brought her competitive spirit to Dave & Buster’s.

Jordan Chiles turns arcade battle into a masterclass in competitive focus

Jordan Chiles does not walk into a room quietly. She enters with purpose, eyes already scanning for the next point of conquest. So when she stepped inside Dave & Buster’s in Times Square last Friday, standing opposite NASCAR’s Toni Breidinger, there was no mistaking her intention. This was not a lighthearted afternoon diversion. It was an extension of her athletic terrain. Chiles was thoroughly prepared. Arms crossed and eyes fixed on the Leaderboard Challenge ahead.

The two competitors moved through the racing-themed gauntlet with a kind of deliberate pacing familiar to anyone who has observed them in their respective sports. Chiles approached each game, whether Hot Wheels Victory Lap or Top Gun, with a sharpened sense of timing, calibrating every motion. She did not hide her resolve. While Toni Breidinger, calm but razor-sharp, focused on the precision of each play, Chiles responded with the expressive intensity she has long been known for on the floor mat. 

Their matchup at Dave & Buster’s was less of a promotional pairing than a natural convergence. Both women are defined by a competitive instinct that precedes them. Win or lose, she left little room for interpretation. This was not merely about arcade scores. It was about showing that excellence demands repetition, even in games, especially in games.