Jordan chili May be an impressively decorated Olympic gymnast, but when it comes to ballroom dancing she still finds her foot. As a celebrity competitor on the last season of “Dancing with the stars”, Chiles fell in the five bottom during the season 34 premiere. But Chiles is not a stranger to the comeback arch.
After a controversial 2024 -Os where she Bronze medal was recalled due to a point controversyShe is back at the top, after led Ucla Bruins to a Big Ten Championship 2025 and an individual all-round title. In one Instagram As he reflected on his Olympic experience, Chiles wrote: “Still here. Still fighting. Still that girl.”
Fans who have seen Chiles compete on the gymnastics floor know what kind of passion and barley she brings with her to the sport. And in an interview with Chiles after the first episode of “Dancing with the stars”, it seems that she is ready to bring the same fight to the ballroom.
Popsugar: What was the most surprising part of dancing at Night One?
Jordan Chiles: Honestly, the speed of everything. In gymnastics I am used to a fixed routine where each move is locked. On that dance floor it felt like the music, the audience, the cameras, everyone met at once. The adrenaline was so strong. One second I started and the next it was over. I wanted to drive it back.
PS: What has the experience so far taught you about what your body can do?
JC: It showed me how much my body can adapt to different environments. I have trained all my life to turn and attach landings. Dance asks for my body to float in a different way. It reminded me that my body can appear under another set of rules.
PS: What feelings or feelings did you have after the performance?
JC: I felt pure adrenaline, joy, excitement and relief at once. We went first so there was no time to relax. When it ended, I just wanted to hug Ezra because it means a lot to both of us. It wasn’t perfect, but I left the floor knowing that I gave everything.
“All that grinding made the night worth it.”
PS: How have the preparations been like leading to the season’s premiere?
JC: Intensive. The rehearsals are hours long, and I have been sore in muscles that I never noticed before. I still educate gymnastics at the same time because our season comes up. It feels right away, but it’s been so fun. I have to learn gymnastics and teach you how to move like a dancer. All that grinding made the night worth it.
PS: How has it been working with your partner?
JC: It’s been fantastic. Ezra is the right mix of patience, but he also knows how to drive me. We laugh a lot. . . And I mean a lot in the rehearsal, but when it’s time to lock in he keeps me focused. It feels like having a new teammate, and it’s something I love. The fact that we may be on this trip together is everything.
PS: Did you have any pre-show rituals?
JC: I centered myself in the same way I do before a gymnastics routine: deep breath, fast prayer and remind myself that I got this. I also stretched because I was not about to draw a muscle on national TV.
PS: Is there anything you would change about your performance?
JC: I remind myself to relax. As a gymnast, I chase perfection. Dance is not about it. It’s about telling a story. If I could change anything I wouldn’t, because everything happens for a reason. We learn from each up and down.
PS: What are you looking forward to most about next week?
JC: I am happy to show this next dance. Night One was about proving to myself that I could do it and share that moment with Ezra. Next week I want to bring more technology and just enjoy what I do. I’m literally on “Dancing with the stars”, which is a dream, so I want people to see me out there having fun!
Alexis Jones (She/her) is the section management for the health and fitness verticals on pop suckers and monitors coverage over the site, social media and newsletters. During his seven plus years of editorial experience, Alexis has developed passions for and expertise in mental health, women’s health and fitness, racial and ethnic differences in health care and chronic conditions. Before she came to PS, she was a senior editor at Health Magazine. Her second bylines are available at Women’s Health, Prevention, Marie Claire and more.
