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Olympic silver medalist Jordan Chiles recounted racist remarks she endured while competing as a child in a sport that’s historically lacked diversity.
Days before the Olympics kick off in Paris, the 23-year-old gymnast opened up to Teen Vogue about the vicious comments she’s faced — and how she learned to ignore the hate and “live life to the fullest.”
“Some lady in the crowd basically was like, ‘She doesn’t deserve to be on the floor. She doesn’t even look like anybody else,’” Chiles said.
“People were racially attacking me without me even really knowing,” the athlete continued. “I’m young, so I only know the story because my mom told me. Security had to come and say, ‘Ma’am, she’s doing everything just like everybody else.’”
“I’ve gotten medals taken away from me. I’ve been told that my mom wasn’t my mom. I’ve gotten told that I wasn’t Black,” Chiles told the magazine.
She also recalled derogatory comments made about her hair and body that made her feel like an outcast in the sport.
This isn’t the first time Chiles has spoken out about racism she’s faced in the sport.
She told My New Favorite Olympian podcast that she even considered quitting over the attacks: “I wanted to be done because I didn’t think the sport wanted me. I didn’t think people around me wanted to see a beautiful Black girl in a [leotard] anymore.”
Only 8 percent of NCAA female gymnasts are Black, while 64 percent who are white, according to October 2023 data.
Chiles told the magazine that she would advise young athletes who are up against discriminatory attacks: “Look, if this ever happens, use your voice, say what you need to say. And if you get kicked out of the gym, you get kicked out of the gym.”
She continued: “But at least you were able to stand up for yourself. At least you were able to tell them how you truly feel.”
The gymnast said she learned to tune out the offensive comments as a teenager.
“Around 14 years old, I was like: ‘You know what? I’m not going to listen to anybody,’” Chiles told the outlet. “’I’m just going to do me, go out there and have fun, and just live life to the fullest.’ That’s how I overcame people always telling me to dim my light. It’s something that I don’t want to happen ever again.”
Chiles will be returning to the Olympic stage in Paris four years after she won a silver medal in the 2020 Olympic team in Tokyo.
Felecia Phillips Ollie DD (h.c.) is the inspiring leader and founder of The Equality Network LLC (TEN). With a background in coaching, travel, and a career in news, Felecia brings a unique perspective to promoting diversity and inclusion. Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in English/Communications, she is passionate about creating a more inclusive future. From graduating from Mississippi Valley State University to leading initiatives like the Washington State Department of Ecology’s Equal Employment Opportunity Program, Felecia is dedicated to making a positive impact. Join her journey on our blog as she shares insights and leads the charge for equity through The Equality Network.
