Jordan Chiles, with Michael Jordan, aims for LA 2028 Olympics
Source: NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Jordan Chiles is making a bold play for a third Olympic appearance, and she has enlisted an iconic voice to help her make the case. The 25-year-old gymnast announced Wednesday she will aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, with a video narrated by Michael Jordan himself. In the Instagram clip, Chiles stands on a beach as aerial shots of the Southern California coastline roll behind her. 'Why again? Because the dream is still there,' the basketball legend's voice intones. 'Why continue? Because there's still more to give.' The video ends with Chiles answering the question herself: 'Why not?'
Chiles, who is named after the NBA icon, has deep ties to Los Angeles. She attended UCLA, where she competed for the Bruins' gymnastics team and became a four-time NCAA champion. Her connection to the city makes the 2028 bid feel like a homecoming. But her path back to the Olympics is layered with both triumph and controversy.
At the 2024 Paris Games, Chiles helped the U.S. women's team secure the gold medal. She also initially won an individual bronze in the floor exercise, but that medal was stripped after a controversial ruling involving a late inquiry by Team USA. Chiles has been appealing that decision ever since, and the case remains unresolved. The loss of the bronze has only fueled her determination, she has indicated in interviews.
Her Olympic journey began in Tokyo 2020, where she earned a silver medal as part of the U.S. team. That competition was marked by a defining moment: when Simone Biles withdrew from the team finals to focus on her mental health, Chiles stepped in under immense pressure. Her performance helped the team secure silver, and she earned widespread respect for her composure.
Wednesday's announcement video included a special thank you to Normani, Winnie, and Michael Jordan, as Chiles posted on X (formerly Twitter) on September 2, 2026. The video was produced by Avery Hall, with photography by Jamie Bruce. NBC Sports Senior Olympics Editor Nick Zaccardi has previously analyzed what Chiles would need to do to thrill fans at the Paris Olympics, and now the focus shifts to her long-term plan for LA.
Chiles is not just a gymnast; she is an author, a former contestant on 'Dancing with the Stars,' and a role model for young athletes. Her influence extends beyond the mat, as she has inspired a new generation of gymnasts with her style and resilience. A leotard she designed, inspired by Beyoncé, became a cultural talking point. Now, with the 2028 Games on the horizon, she is writing the next chapter of a career that has already defied expectations.
For the gymnastics world, Chiles' announcement signals that she is far from finished. At 25, she is older than many elite gymnasts, but her experience and mental toughness could be assets. The LA Games will be held in a city she knows well, and with Michael Jordan's voice echoing in the background, her journey has already captured attention.
Article commentary
Jordan Chiles' announcement of her bid for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, backed by Michael Jordan's narration, is a masterstroke of branding and personal narrative. The decision to involve the NBA legend—who shares her name—adds a layer of cultural resonance that elevates the announcement beyond a simple athletic goal. It signals that Chiles understands the power of storytelling in modern sports, where athletes are increasingly expected to build their own mythologies. From a competitive standpoint, Chiles' choice to aim for a third Olympic Games is audacious. Elite gymnastics traditionally favors younger athletes, but recent trends show veterans like Simone Biles and Oksana Chusovitina extending their careers. Chiles, at 25, is not past her prime, but she will need to maintain peak physical condition for four more years. Her training regimen, recovery strategies, and support system will be critical. The fact that she has already navigated the pressure of stepping in for Biles in Tokyo and dealt with the emotional toll of the medal stripping in Paris suggests she has the resilience required. The controversy surrounding her stripped bronze medal in Paris cannot be overlooked. The ruling, which involved a timing dispute over an inquiry, has been a source of frustration for Chiles and her supporters. Her ongoing appeal adds an element of uncertainty. If the medal is eventually reinstated, it would likely provide a powerful emotional boost. If not, it may serve as a lingering motivation. Either way, this unresolved issue will shadow her journey to LA. Chiles' connection to Los Angeles is a strategic advantage. Having competed for UCLA, she is familiar with the city, the facilities, and the fan base. The Bruins' gymnastics program is one of the most successful in NCAA history, and Chiles' four national titles there give her a local following. The 2028 Games will be held in a city that already feels like home, which could ease the logistical and psychological challenges of preparing for a home Olympics. Michael Jordan's involvement is more than a gimmick. As a global icon of excellence and competitive drive, his voice lends gravitas to Chiles' ambition. The narration—'Because the dream is still there'—echoes a universal theme of persistence. This partnership also highlights the increasing crossover between sports and entertainment, where athletes leverage celebrity endorsements to amplify their messages. Looking ahead, Chiles faces a crowded field of U.S. gymnasts vying for the five spots on the 2028 team. The next quadrennium will see new talents emerge, and she will have to prove she can still execute elite-level routines. But her experience, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure are invaluable. If she makes the team, she could become one of the few American gymnasts to compete in three Olympics. Ultimately, Chiles' announcement is a reminder that athletic careers are not linear. They are shaped by setbacks, comebacks, and the willingness to redefine what is possible. By pairing her ambition with the voice of a legend, she has already made a statement: she is not just returning to the Olympics—she is returning with purpose.