Jordan Chiles, a two-time Olympic medalist and one of the most inspiring figures in artistic gymnastics, has recently opened up about her rough past with a former coach she refers to as “Coach X” in her memoir, I’m That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams.
This courageous revelation highlights the darker side of sports, where athletes often face physical, emotional, and psychological challenges.
Chiles’s journey in gymnastics began when she was just six years old, a time filled with excitement and a natural talent for the sport.
Her passion and dedication led her to make her elite debut at the 2013 American Classic, where she won the bronze medal in the all-around competition.
Over the years, Chiles has become a household name, known for her excellent skills and dedication to Team USA.
However, behind the scenes of her success, Chiles faced a difficult and painful experience with Coach X.
This coach subjected her to verbal abuse, making derogatory comments about her race and body, often calling her “fat.”
The situation was exacerbated by the coach’s struggle with alcoholism, which worsened the mistreatment.
These experiences affected Chiles’ mental health and her relationship with food.
She developed an unhealthy pattern of restricting her food intake to meet Coach X’s expectations, only to secretly binge eat later.
The Abuse From Coach X Led Chiles To Experience Some Of Her Darkest Moments, Including Suicidal Thoughts
She candidly discusses these struggles in her memoir, hoping to inspire others to open up about their own challenges.
She shares,
“I wanted to get it off my chest. I wanted to let people know that I had really, really down times. I’ve been in the dark, I’ve been in the deepest part of the ocean. “
Via People
Chiles’ recovery was greatly supported by her best friend and teammate, Simone Biles.
Biles suggested that Chiles switch gyms and train at the World Championships Centre in Texas under the guidance of coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi.
This change drew a turning point in Chiles’ career and personal life.
The Landis provided her with the kind of support and understanding she had been missing, treating her as an athlete and an individual.
Chiles stated that her new coaches have had a favorable impact,
“They are the most amazing coaches. It’s hard to explain how they changed me. I don’t think I knew about [this kind of] support that you can get in a sport. They’re like second parents to me. They understand me, not just as an athlete, but as a human. They understood that I can have down days; we can have rough practices. And it was just really cool to know that they [also] had the confidence in me to be able to push me to my limit.”
Via People
Today, Jordan Chiles is a successful gymnast and an advocate for mental health awareness.
Her story reminds us that success often comes with pain and struggle, but how we face those challenges defines us.
Chiles’ memoir illustrates her strength and her decision to help others by sharing her experiences.
Jordan Chiles’ journey is a beacon of hope for young athletes and anyone facing similar challenges.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Jordan Chiles was named one of Time’s Women of the Year for 2025.
- Chiles was born in Tualatin, Oregon, on April 15, 2001, to Timothy and Gina Chiles.
- On August 112024, the IOC reallocated the floor exercise bronze to Bărbosu, leaving Chiles without a medal.
