Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles are more than just Olympic gymnastics teammates, they’re good friends who can count on each other for mental health check-ins.
Chiles, 23, shared exclusively with We while talking about her collaboration with Oikos, Active and Too Good & Co. drinks, "I mean, I brought it up some days [because some] are better than others when you’re at practice. I think the real thing was we understand each other, whether we have to talk to each other or not, we’ll ask each other if we’re OK."
Chiles may not have deep conversations with Biles, 27, about mental health, but it is important to ensure that they are both doing well. Chiles emphasized the significance of mental health, especially during these times, and expressed her focus on her own well-being as she prepares for the Paris Olympics next month. She mentioned that she kept her concerns to herself initially, only sharing them with her parents or siblings because she was unsure about pursuing an Olympics slot. However, as the event drew nearer, she became more confident in her decision and dedicated herself fully to the preparation.
Chiles and Biles have been training partners since 2018. They both qualified for the U.S. Olympic team at the 2020 games in Tokyo. However, during the competition, Biles decided to withdraw from the competition due to mental health issues.
Olympian Jordan Chiles Says She and Simone Biles Understand Each Other
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The two gymnasts are both hoping to make the team for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Chiles shared with Us that they are taking things one day at a time, focusing on their routines for each event. They are aiming to peak at a hundred percent performance level closer to the Olympic Games, so currently, they are at about 75-80 percent effort, saving that extra 20 percent for the competition in Paris.
While training, Chiles is also ensuring that Biles and their fellow gymnasts are prepared for the upcoming competition.
"For many of us, this is our first time training, while for others, it's only our second time," she explained. "My focus now is on supporting my teammates and ensuring they are on the right track and feeling good about themselves."
Chiles prioritizes healthy eating as part of her training routine. She finds it convenient to consume Oikos, Activia, and Too Good & Co.'s drinkable yogurts and dairy drinks to ensure she gets the necessary nutrition during practice sessions.
Olympian Jordan Chiles Says She and Simone Biles Understand Each Other
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"I'm hitting the gym every day, all day long. It's non-stop, even on weekends and weekdays. So, when I got the chance to be part of this campaign, I was thrilled," she explained. "It's important to fuel your body with the right nutrients and show that it's totally fine to grab a quick snack on the go. That's why Too Good & Co. smoothies are great - they only have 3 grams of sugar but pack 10 grams of protein. It's about finding a balance and feeling good about yourself."
Chiles was joined by soccer star Kristie Mewis, who is also gearing up for the Paris Olympics, in the campaign.
Making our lives easier is always a plus, according to Mewis, 33. She finds that having quick snacks on the go is extremely convenient and has been a great addition to her daily routine.
Editor's P/S:
The bond between Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles extends beyond their athletic partnership. Their mutual trust and understanding create a supportive environment where they can openly discuss their mental well-being. Despite not engaging in in-depth conversations on the subject, they regularly check in on each other's emotional state, acknowledging its significance in their demanding training regimen. Chiles emphasizes the importance of prioritizing mental health, particularly in the lead-up to major events, while Biles's withdrawal from the Tokyo Olympics due to mental health concerns underscores the challenges athletes face.
As they prepare for the upcoming Paris Olympics, Chiles and Biles approach their training with a balanced mindset, focusing on gradual improvement while preserving their peak performance levels for the competition. Chiles's focus on supporting her teammates reflects their collective goal of ensuring everyone is well-prepared and confident in their abilities. Their collaboration with Oikos, Activia, and Too Good & Co. highlights the role of proper nutrition in maintaining energy and fueling their rigorous training sessions. The convenience of these products allows Chiles and Mewis to maintain their healthy eating habits even with their hectic schedules. By sharing their stories, they promote open dialogue about mental health and emphasize the importance of self-care and a balanced approach to training.