If you tuned into season 34 of Dancing with the Stars expecting a repeat of the "gymnast always wins" trope, you weren't alone. Jordan Chiles, fresh off her Paris 2024 Olympic gold, stepped onto that ballroom floor with the kind of explosive power that usually guarantees a trophy. Instead, she finished in third place.
It was a shocker.
The internet spent weeks debating if she was underscored or if the voters just had a "gymnast fatigue" moment. Honestly, the 2025 season was one of the weirdest, most competitive runs the show has ever seen. You had Robert Irwin bringing that infectious Steve-Irwin-energy and winning the whole thing, plus Alix Earle's massive social media army propelling her to second.
Jordan was the technical powerhouse. But on this show, technicality is sometimes the enemy of the "journey" narrative that fans eat up.
The Jordan Chiles DWTS Journey: Highs, Lows, and Prince
Jordan Chiles and her pro partner Ezra Sosa—who, by the way, finally got his shot as a lead pro this season—were a match made in high-energy heaven. People were worried Ezra might be too green. They were wrong. He pushed Jordan's choreography to a level that felt more like professional Latin ballroom than "celebrity learning to dance."
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Their Argentine Tango to Prince’s "U Got the Look" was arguably the moment the season peaked. It was sharp. It was intense. They bagged a perfect 30. Watching an Olympic athlete transition from the rigid precision of a vault to the fluid, sensual tension of a tango is fascinating.
But it wasn't all perfect scores and confetti.
That "Pissed" Moment on Dedication Week
One of the most talked-about moments didn't even involve a dance move. During Dedication Week, a night usually reserved for tears and heartfelt tributes, the producers pulled a "no-elimination" twist.
Jordan didn't hide her face. She was visibly frustrated. She later admitted to being "pissed" because the emotional toll of preparing a dedication dance is massive. To go through that ringer and then realize the stakes were temporarily removed felt like a slap in the face to her competitive spirit.
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Some fans called her "ungrateful" on TikTok. Others—mostly those who actually understand the pressure of elite sports—saw it as raw honesty. She’s an Olympian. She plays to win, and she doesn't do "participation trophies" well.
Why Third Place Felt Like a Snub
Why didn't she win? You've gotta look at the data. Historically, gymnasts like Shawn Johnson and Laurie Hernandez won by being the "America's Sweetheart" archetype. Jordan Chiles is different. She's loud, she's stylish, and she’s unapologetically herself.
- The "Experience" Penalty: Judges often hold athletes to a higher standard. If you can do a backflip on a four-inch beam, they expect your frame in a Waltz to be flawless from day one.
- The Narrative: Robert Irwin had the "charming underdog who can't dance" story. Alix Earle had the "growth" story. Jordan was just... good. Almost too good, too early.
- The Finale Freestyle: Despite a cameo from Normani (who also famously took 3rd place in season 24), the judges' scores couldn't overcome the fan vote.
Her freestyle was a mashup of Beyoncé and Normani. It was basically a high-budget music video. Carrie Ann Inaba called it the best freestyle in 20 seasons of judging. Yet, the Mirrorball remained just out of reach.
Life After the Ballroom
If you’re worried about Jordan, don't be. She isn't exactly sitting around moping. As of early 2026, she is back in the gym with the UCLA Bruins. She’s balancing a senior season, NCAA meets, and the upcoming Dancing with the Stars Live Tour.
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She recently posted a reel saying "2025 you did your big one," which is a pretty clear sign she’s at peace with the bronze. She broke the "4th place gymnast curse" that took down Nastia Liukin and Simone Biles. That’s a win in itself.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Run
There’s this persistent rumor that Jordan "walked off" the stage during a results show. You'll see it on YouTube shorts with dramatic music.
Let's clear that up: she didn't.
She was literally just moving out of the way for the tour announcement. When you're 4'11", you have to be strategic about where you stand or you'll disappear behind a taller pro. She’s even joked about it, telling Ezra to "put her down" during eliminations. It was humor, not a diva fit.
Actionable Insights for DWTS Fans
If you’re a fan of the show or a follower of Jordan’s career, here’s how to stay in the loop for the rest of 2026:
- Catch the Tour: Jordan is joining the DWTS Live Tour for the West Coast leg starting in April 2026. If you want to see that "U Got the Look" tango in person, Sacramento and Las Vegas are your best bets.
- Watch the Bruins: Jordan is currently competing in her final NCAA season. You can catch her meets on the Big Ten Network. Her floor routines usually incorporate some of the flair she picked up from Ezra.
- The Ezra Factor: Watch out for Ezra Sosa in season 35. His work with Jordan solidified him as one of the best choreographers currently on the roster. He'll likely get a "ringer" (a highly skilled celebrity) next season because of how well he handled Jordan’s talent.
Jordan Chiles might not have the trophy on her mantle, but she changed the "gymnast" blueprint on the show. She traded the "pixie" image for something much more powerful and modern. In the long run, that’s probably worth more than a plastic ball covered in mirrors.