Did you know that Olympic medallist Jordan Chiles almost never made it to the Paris Olympics at all?
In 2018, the American artistic gymnast almost decided to walk away from gymnastics after she was excluded from the national team selections and faced a sport with a historic lack of diversity and inclusion. She was convinced by fellow athlete Simone Biles to persevere and relocate to Texas to train alongside her coaching team. This year, Chiles stood on the Olympic podium with Biles, winning gold in the Artistic Team All-Round, and alone, winning her first Olympic bronze medal for Floor Exercise.
As we cheer athletes on in their events and celebrate their wins, Chiles’ story reminds us of the growth that precedes success, and the environments which allow existing talent to flourish. The journey of each of these Olympians begins long before they set foot in the stadium.
At The Baytree Centre, we understand the vital role that coaching and mentoring play in achieving success, much like the support Chiles received from Biles and her team. Despite her previous dedication and success in gymnastics, it was the mentorship of her fellow sportswomen and a supportive coaching team that guided her towards her first Olympic medals. Jordan Chiles thrived once she had found an environment that was tailored to her specific needs not only as an athlete, but as an individual.
Our programmes, such as INTO School, mirror this approach by providing personalised support to young migrant girls. This mentorship not only aids in academic development but also fosters emotional and social growth, empowering them to thrive. Olympians are a testament to what can be achieved with the right guidance and support. Just as coaches help athletes refine their skills and build confidence, our mentors at Baytree help girls navigate educational challenges, build self-esteem, and set ambitious goals.
Biles’ support of Chiles also highlights the importance of community in fostering individual growth. Whilst the INTO School service provides direct mentorship to individuals, the Women’s Service and Youth Service also facilitate peer to peer mentorship through a range of activities. These services are shaped around a principle of Character Development, encouraging the creation of resilience, self-control, good judgement and fairness in both academic and social environments. In carrying out these principles within a community setting, we foster an environment for success.
Our aim is to ensure that every girl can access a nurturing environment and dedicated coaching that will allow them to thrive as individuals and within their communities.
Learn more about how coaching and mentoring shapes our services and how you can support our mission at Baytree Centre Website. Find out more about Jordan Chiles’ journey to Paris 2024 in her recent podcast episode with ‘My New Favourite Olympian’.
