Jordan Chiles Reveals the Harsh Reality Simone Biles Faced After Her 2013 World Championship Victory
Simone Biles has long been a strong supporter and close friend of Jordan Chiles. In 2018, when Chiles was on the verge of quitting gymnastics, it was Biles who encouraged her to continue, even allowing her to train at her facility in Texas. Given their close bond, it’s no surprise that Chiles recently shed light on a challenging moment Biles faced after her first world title in 2013.
Before becoming an Olympic champion, Biles was already a dominant force on the international stage. At the 2013 World Championships in Antwerp, she won two gold medals, including the prestigious all-around title. This victory made her the first Black gymnast to win an all-around title at the global level. However, instead of universal praise, her win was met with skepticism due to a controversial remark from a fellow gymnast.
In a recently published memoir, Chiles recounted the incident, though she mistakenly placed it in 2016 instead of 2013. The comment came from Italian gymnast Carlotta Ferlito, who had failed to qualify for the 2016 Olympics. After Biles’ victory, Ferlito remarked, “I told Vane (Ferrari) that next time we’ll have our skin black also so we can win, too.” This statement fueled controversy, as it appeared to dismiss Biles’ success.
Ferlito also questioned whether Biles’ scores had been adjusted, claiming that without an update, she would have only won bronze. Her coach further defended her remarks, suggesting that gymnastics was shifting toward favoring “athletes of color,” citing their physical attributes as an advantage. The backlash was immediate, leading Ferlito to issue a public apology.
The comments deeply affected Chiles, who expressed her frustration in her book. She lamented the perception that artistry in gymnastics had diminished and criticized the evolving nature of the sport. The controversy extended further when Valeri Liukin, father of Olympic champion Nastia Liukin, echoed similar sentiments, stating that modern gymnastics was prioritizing power and strength over artistry and finesse.
Despite the uproar, Biles’ focus remained on her performance. Her parents, particularly her mother Nellie, advised her to not let the controversy overshadow her achievements. USA Gymnastics also condemned the remarks, emphasizing that gymnastics is an inclusive sport with no room for racial insensitivity.
This incident provided an early glimpse into the challenges Biles would face throughout her career. While Ferlito has since apologized, the episode remains a significant reminder of the biases that have lingered in gymnastics. Chiles’ decision to revisit this moment highlights the resilience of gymnasts like Biles, who have continued to push the sport forward despite adversity.