THE FREEDOM OF EVOLVING, THE BEAUTY OF BECOMING

With a memoir, a mentorship program and a fresh outlook, Jordan Chiles is redefining strength through softness, sisterhood and self-belief

- By Karissa Mitchell

Bressane Wade, mules: Simon Miller, stockings: stylist's own.

When Jordan Chiles answers our Zoom call, she's glowing. She has just moved into her first home, juggling boxes and press tours with the same bright spirit that carried her from the Olympic podium to the cover of Sports Illustrated. "I finally found my safe space, my circle," she says, exhaling into the moment. "I've just been really enjoying life. That's really all I can say, just enjoying life—enjoying the ability to wake up every morning and just, you know, thank God for waking me up another day—and continuing to push for dreams and goals that I have." It's a glimpse into where she is today: settled, softer and more grounded than the spunky gymnast the world saw at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics. Now 24—with a New York Times bestselling memoir, I'm That Girl: Living the Power of My Dreams, and a UCLA return under her belt—Chiles is writing the next chapter, one that extends far beyond medals.

Necklace: David Yurman, bodysuit: Norma Kamali, shorts: Christian Dior, heels: DSquared2, rings: David Yurman, glasses: Elisa Johnson.