The young gymnast, aged 23, has recently graced the cover of Teen Vogue, where she revealed in an emotional interview personal, and traumatic, aspects of her journey in this sport. 

Chiles highlighted a painful incident from her childhood when she was competing in a tournament. She recounts, “A woman in the crowd said that I didn’t deserve to be on the floor because I didn’t look like the others, referring to the colour of my skin.”

Though she was practically a child at the time, her mother explained years later that the incident was actually an episode of racial abuse. “People were racially attacking me without me even knowing. I was young, so I only know the story because my mum told me. 

"Security had to intervene and reassure my mother, telling her that I was performing just like the other athletes. On top of that, I’ve had medals taken away from me and been told things like my mum wasn’t my mum,” Chiles detailed.

Despite these challenges, Chiles always maintained her focus and continued to progress in her career. In fact, at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she won a silver medal in the team final alongside Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee, and Grace McCallum, demonstrating her talent and determination. 

Additionally, she won three medals at the 2022 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (gold in the team event and silver on vault and floor) and three medals at the 2023 Pan American Games (gold in the team event, silver on vault, and bronze in the individual competition).

Looking ahead to the Paris Games, Chiles has offered advice to young athletes who might face such discrimination. “Use your voice and say what you need to say. If they kick you out of the gym, so be it. At least you’ll have defended your rights and expressed how you feel,” she recommended.

At 23 and with a significant international career, Chiles now approaches the summer Olympics with confidence and pride. “I’m happy to see everything I’ve achieved at this age. 

"I’m just starting my story, and I have much ahead of me. I know what my passion and value are, and I’ll keep working to achieve my dreams,” she concluded. Chiles’ story is an example of resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Paris awaits.