This year, Jordan Chiles has a new gymnastics goal in mind. She’s challenging herself to leave each competition with the same joy she entered it with, and she’s well on her way to achieving that goal.
After the U.S. Classic in May — the first of three key meets for Team USA’s Paris qualifier — Chiles analyzed the self-talk and positive thinking that led to her third-place finish behind Simone Biles and Cirice Jones. She finished with a score of 55.450, nearly a point shy of her 2023 best, but she wasn’t just focused on those numbers.
Instead, she drew on her own feelings: The 2022 world team champion and Tokyo Olympian relished competing against some of the world’s best gymnasts.
“I’m doing this for myself,” Childs tells SELF. “I have confidence in myself and I have a lot of encouragement from people that I can move forward and be who I am, so I don’t have to prove anything to anyone but myself.”
Three years ago, Chiles made a breakthrough in the summer leading up to the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, bursting onto the 5-a-side national team at the Tokyo Olympics and helping the U.S. win a silver medal. After World Championships, Chiles earned a scholarship to UCLA for college and won NCAA titles on the uneven bars and floor exercise as a sophomore. Chiles had a tough 2023 season and missed out on a spot at World Championships, but she’s back in contention with a new perspective.
Although the U.S. gymnastics team will not be finalized until the conclusion of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials, which run from June 27-30, Childs has made a strong case for a spot on the second team. In addition to her bronze medal at the U.S. Classic, Childs placed fifth all-around and second on the uneven bars at the USA Gymnastics Championships in Fort Worth, Texas, on June 2. Childs called to mind Beyoncé in a beautiful leotard covered in Swarovski crystals.
“I want to look back on this journey and say that this chapter ended on a really good note, with no cliffhangers that left me with any regrets or doubts,” Childs said.
Following her morning practice at the World Champions Center in Spring, Texas, Chiles spoke to SELF about the evening routine that helps her recharge for the 34 to 36 hours of training each week. Here’s how she stays refreshed, refreshed and ready to go.
Social time is important, even if it’s far away.
I always make time to spend with my friends. I like to sit in my room after dinner, turn on my phone, and talk to my friends for about 20-30 minutes. I call my best friend on FaceTime and tell her about her day, anything I want to say about my day, or whatever.
I’ve learned to prioritize skincare, but I do it quickly.
When I was younger, I would just go to bed and not do anything to look after my skin, but as I got older, I realized I needed to pay more attention to my skin and my peace of mind.