2022 marked a historic moment for the world of gymnastics. For the first time, three black women – Jordan Chiles, Konnor McClain and Shilese Jones – topped the podium at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships.
In January 2023, Ari Chambers sat down with these three remarkable athletes to talk about that moment in time, the evolution of black women in gymnastics and their hopes for the future. This is that conversation.
Black Excellence All-Around
By Team USA Athlete Voices | Feb. 28, 2023, 3:03 p.m. (ET)
Black Excellence All-Around | Roundtable Discussion
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Black Excellence All-Around | Jordan Chiles on 2022 U.S. Gymnastics Championships Podium
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That moment was so unreal for me and I think all 3 of us. It was so unbelievable, but we also made history.
Konnor McClain, Gymnastics
(L-R) Konnor McClain, Jordan Chiles and Shilese Jones and pose in front of a beam at a photoshoot on Jan. 22, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Black Excellence All-Around | Shilese Jones on Body Changes
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I feel like now that we're understanding more, we're able to embrace who we are and we can be who we want to be.
Jordan Chiles, Gymnastics
Black Excellence All-Around | Jordan Chiles' Music Playlist
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Konnor McClain gets her hair curled on set on Jan. 22, 2023 in Los Angeles.
“As I went into the elite world, I wanted to embrace my afro love. A lot of people actually told me it was my signature look because I always did it and that made me want to embrace my curls more.”
Jordan Chiles, Gymnastics
Jordan Chiles shows off her nail art at a photoshoot on Jan. 22, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Black Excellence All-Around | Konnor McClain on Family Support
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(L-R) Jordan Chiles, Konnor McClain, Shilese Jones and Ari Chambers sit around the roundtable on Jan. 22, 2023 in Los Angeles.
Black Excellence All-Around | Konnor McClain on 2024 Goals
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(L-R) Shilese Jones and Konnor McClain take a selfie during a photoshoot on Jan. 23, 2023 in Los Angeles.
My eyes are set on Paris 2024, the same way I was set on Tokyo 2020.
Jordan Chiles, Gymnastics
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