UCLA is showing strong support for its star gymnast Jordan Chiles as she continues to shine on “Dancing With the Stars” Season 34.
Ahead of her latest performance, the official UCLA Gymnastics page encouraged fans to rally behind her, posting on Instagram:
“It’s Dedication Night on Dancing With the Stars, and we’re going to need you to dedicate your votes to Jordan Chiles tonight!”
The message reflected how much pride UCLA has in Chiles, who has balanced her academic life, NCAA gymnastics career and a growing presence on one of television’s biggest stages.
This week’s episode of “Dancing With the Stars” featured Dedication Night, giving contestants the chance to honor someone special in their lives through dance. Chiles chose to dedicate her Viennese Waltz to her father, Timothy Chiles, the man who first inspired her to enter gymnastics as a child.
Jordan Chiles Dedicates Her Dance to Her Father
Performing alongside professional dancer Ezra Sosa, Chiles delivered a moving Viennese Waltz to John Mayer’s “Daughters.” Her father even joined her on the dance floor, creating a heartfelt moment that captured the audience’s attention and earned praise from the judges.
“I’m dedicating my Viennese Waltz to my father, who I honestly admire so much,” Chiles shared in a pre-performance clip. “He’s such an amazing person and has been with me through thick and thin.”
The performance showcased not only Chiles’ growing confidence as a dancer but also her emotional depth. Judges described her routine as elegant and heartfelt, scoring her 32 out of 40; it was one of her strongest performances yet.
Carrie Ann Inaba praised her for “blossoming into something spectacular,” while Bruno Tonioli highlighted her “style and musicality.”
Chiles’ father also received applause from both the audience and the panel for joining the routine. The dance quickly became one of the standout moments of the night.
UCLA gymnast Jordan Chiles before starting her balance beam performance during an NCAA gymnastics meet against Penn State at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wesco. Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
Before her appearance on “Dancing With the Stars,” Jordan Chiles had already built an impressive athletic legacy. The 24-year-old is a two-time Olympic medalist, having helped Team USA secure gold at the 2024 Paris Games and silver at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in the women’s team all-around event.
Following her Olympic run, Chiles returned to UCLA, where she continues to compete in NCAA gymnastics. Chiles is also branching out beyond sports and dance.
This week, she announced a new collaboration with GK Elite, revealing her upcoming “Season to Strive” leotard collection, set to drop on October 16. The release follows a string of successful designs under her partnership with the gymnastics apparel brand.
UCLA Community Shows Pride and Support
Chiles’ DWTS journey also highlights a growing tradition of athletes thriving on the show. Former NBA player Iman Shumpert and NFL running back Rashad Jennings both won past seasons, and Chiles now stands as the last athlete remaining in the competition.
With her strong performance and visible fan support, the UCLA gymnast is looking to carry that momentum into Week 6.
As Chiles continues to impress both the judges and the audience, her story has become a powerful example of how perseverance, family and community can come together to lift someone to new heights.
Related: Jordan Chiles Makes Request Before ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Disney Night
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 15, 2025, where it first appeared in the Olympics section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.