While Jordan Chiles is mesmerizing the audience with her gravity-defying routines at the Paris Olympics, many viewers can’t help but wonder about her relationship status as well as her striking tattoos. Some think it’s a scar on the upper back, but we can confirm that it’s an array of ink on her spine that tells its own story.
Chiles, a standout gymnast and two-time Olympian, is not just celebrated for her insane athletic talents, but also for her unique personal style.
What’s on Jordan Chiles’ Upper Back? A Spine Tattoo, Not a Scar
Each tattoo on Jordan Chiles’ body tells a story, making her an interesting personality both on and off the competition floor. While many have mistaken them for scars, the first thing that catches people’s eyes is a striking tattoo of two koi fish swimming in a circle at the top of her spine.
This tattoo is partially visible at the Paris 2024 Olympics when her leotard shifts or cuts in a way that allows a glimpse. This is not just any random body art; it represents the Chinese concept of yin and yang, an interaction that maintains balance and harmony in the universe. This is the perfect symbol for a gymnast whose entire athletic display revolves around her ability to maintain equilibrium and balance.
The 23-year-old has other back tattoos, too, which are more than just decorations, albeit they’re not as visible. She has engraved quotes on her back that are extremely personal to her. Signifying her drive to rise over challenges, one reads, “You have struggled… and have overcome.” Likewise, there’s also a Bible verse from Corinthians that touches on more of her spiritual resilience: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
Jordan Chiles’ Tattoos: A Tribute to Beauty, Legacy, and Olympic Glory
As per Pop Sugar, Jordan Chiles boasts a total of more than 30 body arts. On her left arm, there’s a tattoo of a rose that symbolizes beauty and growth. On her left tricep, right above the elbow, the word “energy” is inked and the number “23” is tattooed just above it.
Since she is a massive fan of the basketball icon Michael Jordan, it comes as no surprise that she has tatted number 23 as a nod to her namesake idol. There’s also an emotional tribute to her late grandfather who passed away in 2023 with a quote on her left forearm that reads, “Where you are, I have been. Where I am, you will be.”
Chiles proudly displays her commitment to her sport and her teammates with the ink on her right arm, just above the elbow fold. Celebrating their collective achievements, she sports the Olympic rings that she shares with her 2021 and 2024 Olympic teammates Simone Biles and Suni Lee. Additionally, she marks her victory at the 2021 Olympics with a “Golden” tattoo on her upper left arm. Furthermore, she feels the love, support, and guidance in her life via the angel number “444” which she has inscribed in solid black ink on her left bicep.
Jordan Chiles has a bunch of other cool tattoos, each with its own meaning: a snake for transformation, a flower for growth, a bow for grace, three butterflies for change and hope, and “Little Sunshine” as a personal motto or nickname that brings positivity to her life. She clearly loves to express her personal life experiences and milestones as a form of art on her body.