Jordan Chiles Traded the Beam For the Catwalk at NYFW

Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles has now conquered the only strip of runway more intimidating than the balance beam: the New York Fashion Week catwalk.

Chiles, whose bronze medalist status is still TBD, closed out the Kim Shui show on September 7, in a garment that can only be described as a leotard. No wonder it looked so natural on her.

For her big moment, Chiles had her hair styled into two braids, with glowy makeup and long nails that complemented the light, swirly pattern on her bodysuit and the attached panels, all in a silky floral pattern. Also, running shoes.

John Lamparski/Getty Images

She got the almost-expressionless model face down pat, too, but what impressed people most of all is, not to be indelicate, those thighs, girl. All over the brand’s Instagram post about her are comments complimenting her muscles, something we’re definitely not used to seeing on the runway. “Absolutely stunning. But can we talk about how her quad muscles deserve their own gold medal. Damn girl strut that runway queen. 🙌🩵✨” reads one popular comment. Says another, “ok LEGS !” Pair this with Ilona Maher’s Sports Illustrated cover and inject directly into my veins.