When her latest perfect 10 flashed on LA’s Pauley Pavilion scoreboard,Jordan Chiles took off on a celebratory dash.
The UCLA gymnast dropped to the floor mat for a momentary breather, sprawling her body to savor the moment, before rising with a smile to form her hands into a heart over her head on Valentine’s Day.
Not even an illness could stop another bid for perfection.
Flashing her signature combination of artistry and superb athleticism, Chiles notched her fourth consecutive perfect 10 on the floor exercise, helping the fourth-ranked Bruins edge ninth-ranked Michigan, 197.725–196.975, on Saturday before a season-high crowd of 10,032.
Chiles’ floor routines have become a sensation in whatUCLA gymnasticscoach Janelle McDonald has called the best show in LA.
Some fans were on their feet in anticipation, even before Chiles’ latest routine began. Accompanied by a Whitney Houston song, Chiles’ performance started with a series of acrobatic flips. She continued with several twisting moves as the music shifted among hits from Stevie Wonder, Janet Jackson and Tina Turner.
The Olympic gold medalist and“Dancing with the Stars” finalistappeared to be having great fun, based on her energetic vibe. She stuck every landing during another series of flips and concluded her performance with one final move that left her on her knees, hoisting one finger in the air.
“That was a 10!” exclaimed one of Chiles’ teammates watching from the edge of the mat.
The judges agreed, giving Chiles another perfect score. It was the fifth consecutive week that the senior has scored a 10 and the 16th in her college career. She also won the all-around for the fifth straight meet, scoring 39.625.
“I was just so impressed with how she came out and was so intentional with everything,” McDonald said afterward. “She really brought the energy up for her team in those little moments that we needed to flip the energy. For her to just go out on floor and do it again was just incredible. I think it’s a testament to the work she puts in and the heart she has for this team.”
Source: California Post – Breaking California News, Photos & Videos
