Olympian Jordan Chiles makes her New York Fashion Week runway debut

Jordan Chiles is greater than only a gymnast.

This week, the Team USA gymnast brought her modeling skills to New York Fashion Week. On Sept. 7, designer Kim Shui showcased Chiles, affectionately often known as “That Girl,” in her runway show. Walking the runway in an inspired silver-and-blue leotard and sneakers, Chiles wowed the group as she closed out the designer’s spring 2025 show.

Since her Beyoncé-centric floor routine throughout the Olympic qualifiers went viral, Chiles has remained a crowd favorite. Her fan base only grew on the 2024 Paris Games as viewers fell in love with the gymnast’s talent and personality.

However, Chiles suffered a “significant blow” after the Olympics when Team Romania appealed her bronze medal, claiming it must have gone to her rival, Ana Barbosu. Unfortunately, despite USA Gymnastics’ best efforts, the committee ultimately granted Romania’s appeal, awarding the bronze title to Barbosu and asking Chiles to return the medal.

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“I am speechless,” Chiles wrote. Instagram“This decision feels unfair and is a major blow not only to me but to everyone who has supported my journey. To add to this heartbreaking pain, the unjustified racial attacks on social media are wrong and incredibly hurtful. I have poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am proud to represent my culture and my country… Now I face one of the most difficult moments of my career.”

Despite these challenges, Chiles held her head high as she competed in non-gymnastics events after the Olympics. From the U.S. Open to throwing first pitch in New York Mets gameChiles isn’t letting the appeals decision rob her of her joy. Her NYFW debut comes as no surprise, because the athlete has turn out to be known for her stunning looks on and off the mat.

“There’s a typical way you’re supposed to look in gymnastics… I thought, ‘Why can’t I just change that part? If I can create really cool and unique fashion looks with my leotards, why can’t I do the same with my makeup or my hair?'” Chiles said Harper’s Bazaar as she reflected on her unique competition look. “It all makes me feel more confident. It makes me feel like I am who I am. And fashion is a way for me to show that. I like to put it all together, all in one look, like I’m walking down the red carpet.”

Chiles has already landed a Teen Vogue cover and appeared in various ad campaigns, so this might be the beginning of a brand new enterprise as she continues to weigh whether or not she’s going to return to the Olympics in 2028.