Description
An Instant New York Times Bestseller
Foreword by Simone Biles
Two-time Olympian Jordan Chiles has captured the hearts of millions through her extraordinary gymnastics career. Now, in this powerful memoir, she gives readers an inside look at her astonishing, unforgettable road to Olympic glory, revealing the highs and lows, painful setbacks, triumphant victories, and the unwavering support from family and teammates who helped her succeed against all odds.
Chiles experienced one of the most dramatic events in Olympic history when judges at the 2024 Paris Olympics initially placed her in fourth position. After a successful appeal from her coach, she was rightfully awarded the bronze medal, only to see it devastatingly stripped from her on a technicality by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Reflecting upon this harsh blow, Jordan describes it as “one of the most challenging moments of my career—and trust me, there have been many.”
In “I’m That Girl,” Jordan courageously shares the journey that shaped her. She addresses difficult yet profoundly important experiences: the racism she faced as a talented young Black woman in a predominantly white elite sport, struggles with body image and an unhealthy relationship with food, exhausting training regimens, frequent injuries, and times she nearly walked away from gymnastics altogether. Yet through sheer dedication, resilience, and the boundless love of her family, she continued to rise, determined never to give up. When her close friend Simone Biles stepped back from competition at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics due to experiencing the “twisties,” Jordan stepped up to help Team USA secure a remarkable silver medal. Later, at the Paris games, Jordan made history as part of the first-ever all-Black podium in the sport, across both men’s and women’s gymnastics.
Bursting with authentic insights and Jordan’s unmistakable, determined spirit, “I’m That Girl” offers a rare, honest glimpse into the elite world of women’s gymnastics—a competitive universe demanding both physical excellence and extraordinary mental strength. Jordan speaks candidly about the intense emotional bonds developed inside such pressure-filled environments, highlighting key friendships, particularly her closeness with teammate Simone Biles, who served as both friend and mentor.
Filled with remarkable openness and warmth, and accompanied by a stunning 16-page section of full-color photographs, “I’m That Girl” explores how one outstanding young woman manages to find inner balance and strength despite a remarkably intense and challenging lifestyle. Tirelessly driven, Jordan has become a crucial force in changing the culture within gymnastics, passionately championing the idea that young girls should not be judged or limited by their hairstyle, physical appearance, or skin color.
Deeply inspiring, emotionally engaging, and thoroughly insightful, “I’m That Girl” proves the immense power of perseverance and the joy of dedicating yourself to the things you love most. Jordan Chiles wholeheartedly shows the world exactly how she came to be—and always will be—That Girl: the ultimate cheerleader, role model, and courageous competitor determined to make a difference.
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