Trailblazers of Women's Sports: A'ja Wilson and Jordan Chiles Honored as TIME's Women of the Year

In a monumental recognition of their contributions to women's sports, A'ja Wilson, the Las Vegas Aces' powerhouse, and Jordan Chiles, the UCLA gymnastics sensation, have been honored as part of TIME magazine's annual Women of the Year issue. The cover story, released on February 20, 2025, celebrates their trailblazing performances and their roles in shaping the future of women's athletics.

Both athletes have had a transformative year, particularly highlighted by their achievements at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP, led Team USA to a gold medal and became the first WNBA player to score 1,000 points in a single season, a historic milestone. She also made headlines as the first Black WNBA player to have a signature shoe since 2010. Chiles, on the other hand, secured her place in gymnastics history by winning gold in the team event.

The feature also delves into the challenges they faced over the past year. For Wilson, the disappointment of falling short of a WNBA championship three-peat with the Aces was a significant hurdle. Reflecting on the season, Wilson shared with TIME, "Not getting the three-peat was hard. The regret is the hardest part that I've had to deal with in this offseason, because I'm like, 'What could I have done differently to get a different outcome?' When in reality, it just wasn't our time. ... But it's part of the game -- it's the healthy balance that you've got to fight through."

Chiles, meanwhile, opened up about the controversy surrounding her Olympic bronze medal in the floor exercise, which she was eventually ordered to return after a series of appeals. Despite the setback, she remains focused on her future. "It was something that I had to just push through and see where it would go," Chiles told TIME. "I'm in college now, and I have the ability to perform my life away at UCLA. People are always coming to me and just being like, 'You're always going to be loved.' So I'm now just able to take what I have, let everybody do the outside work, and just push myself forward."

The pair also discussed the growing diversity and inclusivity in their respective sports. Chiles reflected on how much the landscape has changed since she started competing: "The diversity in our sport has obviously changed a lot. Knowing there weren't a lot of women of color when I was younger, and knowing that I can help that -- and I've been helping that -- is really cool."

Looking ahead, both athletes hinted at their plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. While Chiles kept her plans ambiguous, saying, "Mine's not a yes, and mine's not a no," Wilson was more direct, declaring, "Mine is a better -- you better. ... She's [Chiles] going to be there, too. See us in L.A."

Their story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the transformative power of women in sports. As TIME's Women of the Year, Wilson and Chiles continue to inspire a new generation of athletes to break barriers and redefine what's possible.