Jordan Chiles, a gold medalist gymnast, is not only known for her athletic prowess but also for her distinctive tattoos.
Her arms and back are adorned with meaningful ink, including the Olympic rings, a rose, and an inspirational quote from her grandfather, each symbolizing her strength and success.
As viewers worldwide tune in to watch gymnasts flip, fly, and stick their landings at the 2024 Paris Games, they also take note of the athletes’ appearances. For instance, Simone Biles recently faced criticism on social media for her “sloppy” hair, to which she responded, explaining the stifling heat and lack of air conditioning on the team bus. Similarly, Chiles’s tattoos have captured public interest, especially when glimpses of her back tattoo peek through her Olympic uniform.
Chiles’s first prominent tattoo is a large rose on her forearm, which she debuted in a 2021 Instagram post alongside Biles. While the specific meaning behind her floral design is not publicly known, black rose tattoos generally symbolize mourning, strength, and courage.
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A testament to her Olympic journey, Chiles has the iconic Olympic rings tattooed on her right arm, a common ink among elite athletes. She shares this tattoo with her teammates, Biles and Suni Lee. Biles was the first to get the logo inked on her right forearm in 2017 after her triumphs at the Rio Games.
On her left arm, Chiles has an elegant cursive quote, “Where you are, I have been. Where I am, you will be,” a tribute to her grandfather who passed away in 2023. The same year, she also lost her aunt. Reflecting on her loss, Chiles shared in a Teen Vogue interview, “I don’t really know where I am in my healing process. Some days I feel great, and then on days like making my second Olympics, I was so happy and then I was sad that they weren’t there to witness it.”
Chiles’s parents named her after the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, known for his number 23 jersey with the Chicago Bulls. In honor of her namesake, Chiles has the number 23 tattooed on her left bicep. Before this year’s Olympics, Michael Jordan sent her a supportive message, which she shared on Instagram: “Hey Jordan, this is Michael Jordan. I am so excited to watch you win a gold medal. Here’s to wishing you nothing but good luck. Let’s catch up afterward. Hope to see you soon. MJ. Btw love the name.”
On her left shoulder, Chiles has two more inscriptions: “You have struggled… and have overcome,” and a Bible verse from Corinthians, “My grace is sufficient for you.”
In a 2021 TikTok post, Chiles documented her and friends getting matching “Golden” tattoos. Although Biles wasn’t in the video, she sported a fresh “Golden” tattoo at the 2021 InStyle Awards, possibly symbolizing their Olympic aspirations.
Chiles’s left bicep features a collection of tattoos, including the number 444, an angel number that represents love, support, and guidance. This number is flanked by a snake and a flower, adding to the depth of her tattoo collection.
On the outside of her bicep, Chiles has two abstract line drawings of faces, a bow, three butterflies, flames, and the phrase “little sunshine.” Her shoulder is adorned with little stars that perfectly complement her sparkling competition leotards.
Chiles’s tattoos extend to her hands, visible as she grips the bar and raises her arms to stick her landings. Her ink travels down her arms and onto her fingers and hands, showcasing her unique style and personal expressions.
At just 23, Jordan Chiles’s energy on the floor and spirit from the sideline are mirrored in her intricate body art. Her tattoos tell a story of resilience, inspiration, and legacy. As the Paris Games unfold, one can’t help but wonder if she will commemorate this year’s Olympics with a new piece of ink.
