**Jordan Chiles Reflects on Graduation and Future Aspirations Following BET Award Nomination**
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Jordan Chiles, the celebrated gymnast and Olympic gold medallist, has recently graduated from UCLA, embarking on a new chapter in her life both personally and professionally. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the 25-year-old athlete shared insights about her future plans, including a potential bid for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
As Chiles considers her next steps, she admits to a degree of uncertainty regarding her plans as a 25-year-old. “I don’t know what 25-year-old Jordan is going to be doing,” she confesses. Despite her ambiguous future, she expresses excitement for the time she has set aside for relaxation and travel—something she has lacked throughout her gymnastics career. “I have a few vacations planned,” she says, emphasising the joy of finally taking time for herself.
Reflecting on upcoming opportunities, Chiles is keeping her options open regarding the LA28 Olympics. “It’s always in my mind,” she notes about a potential return to the Olympic stage. “I want to understand my why, and I want to do it my way.” At this point, she considers her prospects to be a toss-up, stating that she remains “fifty-fifty” on the decision to participate.
In addition to contemplating her future in gymnastics, Chiles has been busy celebrating her recent triumphs. She was recently nominated for a BET Award in the category of Sportswoman of the Year, a recognition which she describes as “a dream come true.” Chiles expressed her amazement at being nominated alongside exceptional women such as A’ja Wilson and Naomi Osaka, recognising the significance of being acknowledged in a field that includes prominent figures from both sports and entertainment.
“Whatever happens, I’m just happy that I got nominated,” Chiles commented, looking forward to the BET Awards, which will take place on June 28, 2026. Her nomination serves as a reminder of her hard work and dedication in not only gymnastics but throughout various aspects of her life.
Chiles has already built a remarkable legacy, having achieved numerous accolades, including multiple Olympic medals and a career as a New York Times best-selling author. Her visibility and accomplishments have broadened her aspirations beyond athletics; Chiles has expressed interest in exploring opportunities in acting. “I do want to act, I want to go into the acting world,” she revealed, noting her dreams of being involved in projects ranging from stunt work to voice acting.
A particular aspiration of Chiles’ is to portray her own superhero character within the Marvel universe. Emphasising her passion for superheroes, she drew a parallel between her gymnastics feats and those of fictional heroes. “They might say it’s crazy, but the things that we do in gymnastics don’t make sense,” she remarked, encouraging the idea that being an athlete in her sport is akin to being a superhero.
Beyond her aspirations in entertainment, Chiles hopes to venture into the culinary world and entrepreneurial ventures. “There’s a lot of things that I wish to do, like opening restaurants and different businesses,” she expressed, showing a desire to branch out and explore her interests further.
Having recently attained her degree in African American Studies, Chiles reflects on the journey that led her to this significant milestone. “I was that little kid who always had a bad day and told my mum that I wanted to quit, but she always encouraged me to persevere,” she recalled. This resilience, nurtured by her mother, enabled Chiles to reach her goals and develop a sense of pride in her achievements.
“I’ve been on magazine covers, I’ve been on Dancing with the Stars, and now I’m nominated for a BET Award,” Chiles stated proudly, recognising the significance of her journey and achievements. She emphasised the importance of self-acceptance, noting how she has learned to appreciate her accomplishments and the impact she has had on those who look up to her.
As she moves forward, Chiles is determined to continue living by the values she has cultivated throughout her career. “I’m proud that I never quit, and that I listened to my six-year-old self,” she concluded, reflecting on her resilience and commitment to her dreams. With the future ahead appearing filled with endless possibilities, Jordan Chiles is ready to embrace whatever comes next.