With an electrifying performance that captivated a record crowd, Jordan Chiles continued to establish her dominance in collegiate gymnastics as she propelled the No. 3-ranked UCLA Bruins to a 197.675-197.1 win over No. 12 Stanford. This remarkable victory took place in front of 12,918 enthusiastic fans at Pauley Pavilion during UCLA’s home finale.

Chiles’ Remarkable Season

Chiles achieved a season-high all-around score of 39.75, further solidifying her status as a pivotal athlete for the team. The event was particularly special as the first 2,000 attendees received Nike posters featuring Chiles, who recently starred in the brand’s “So Win” campaign, launched during the Super Bowl.

Since competing in her second Olympic Games last year, Chiles has been a prominent figure beyond the gymnastics arena. Her accolades include her recognition as one of Time magazine’s Women of the Year, red carpet appearances at prestigious events like the Oscars, and various media engagements, including “Good Morning America” and “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” On the day of the meet, she also took the time to sign copies of her memoir, I’m The Girl, ahead of the competition.

Team Spirit and Resilience

This season, Chiles has performed 37 routines, tying her for the most on the Bruins’ roster. UCLA head coach Janelle McDonald praised Chiles for her ability to manage her responsibilities with remarkable excellence, stating, “It inspires me every single day… She cares so much about the team that throughout it all, she’s figuring out a way to be 100% connected and show up for the team each and every day.”

With Chiles returning from Olympic duty, the Bruins have soared to new heights in the Big Ten, capturing their first regular-season conference title and extending their meet-winning streak to nine.

A Night of Celebrations and High Scores

The competition featured impressive performances from multiple Olympians, including Emma Malabuyo, who competed for the Philippines in the upcoming Paris Olympics and achieved two scores of 9.9 or higher in her final performance at Pauley Pavilion. Fellow graduate student Brooklyn Moors, an all-around finalist for Canada at the Tokyo Olympics, registered a score of 9.9 on the balance beam, contributing to a strong team lead heading into the final rotation.

While Moors is renowned for her elegance on the floor, the audience’s hopes for a perfect 10 were dashed as she scored 9.925 on her routine. Chiles was among those encouraging the crowd, signaling for the perfect score.

Chiles’ Commitment to Team and Community

Despite the whirlwind of public appearances, Chiles has remained focused on her identity and teamwork. She articulated her perspective, saying, “I know what’s very important to me and that is who I am as a person and that my sport doesn’t define who I am.” Her dedication shone through as she celebrated her teammates’ routines passionately and delivered motivating pre-competition talks.

Acknowledging the Seniors

After a heartfelt performance, Chiles expressed gratitude for the senior leadership that has significantly contributed to the team’s success this season. The Bruins honored the graduating class, including Malabuyo and Moors, with an emotional tribute, showcasing the strong bond forged over the years.

Moors summarized the team’s spirit, stating, “We wanted to go out with a bang, and that was exactly what we did.”