Recharge with David Ko
Recharge with Jordan Chiles: Olympic Triumphs & Resilience
May 13, 2025
01:02:25
Two-time Olympic medalist Jordan Chiles joins David Ko to discuss her new book “I'm That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams” and her groundbreaking journey from childhood Nike dreams to becoming a TIME Women of the Year honoree. Jordan reveals how she's revolutionizing gymnastics culture with her unapologetic self-expression through tattoos, braids, and Beyoncé-inspired performances.
With remarkable vulnerability, Jordan shares how therapy, artistic expression during COVID isolation, and sometimes confiding in strangers helped rebuild her psychological resilience.
The conversation highlights her historic Paris Olympics podium moment alongside two other Black women gymnasts—a first in the sport's history. Jordan distinguishes her impact from teammate Simone Biles with the observation: "Simone changes the game—I change the culture."
Beyond athletics, Jordan discusses battling social media negativity while maintaining her authentic self, and finding balance through unexpected pursuits like binge-watching Netflix to quiet what she calls her "creative chaos" brain. Throughout, she exemplifies how embracing one's complete identity can transform not just personal achievement but an entire sport's culture.
With remarkable vulnerability, Jordan shares how therapy, artistic expression during COVID isolation, and sometimes confiding in strangers helped rebuild her psychological resilience.
The conversation highlights her historic Paris Olympics podium moment alongside two other Black women gymnasts—a first in the sport's history. Jordan distinguishes her impact from teammate Simone Biles with the observation: "Simone changes the game—I change the culture."
Beyond athletics, Jordan discusses battling social media negativity while maintaining her authentic self, and finding balance through unexpected pursuits like binge-watching Netflix to quiet what she calls her "creative chaos" brain. Throughout, she exemplifies how embracing one's complete identity can transform not just personal achievement but an entire sport's culture.
