At the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards, hip-hop legend Flavor Flav stunned the audience with a heartfelt gesture for gymnast Jordan Chiles. This moment came just months after Chiles faced the disappointment of having her Olympic bronze medal stripped during the summer, following a decision by an arbitration panel.

Flavor Flav, a founding member of Public Enemy and famous for his oversized clock necklaces, had become an unexpected cheerleader for Team USA during the Paris Games. He promised Chiles a gift that would be truly one-of-a-kind, and he delivered on that promise with a bronze-colored clock necklace, designed as a tribute to his signature style and a nod to her Olympic journey.

The gift presentation took place on stage at the VMAs, where Flav and Chiles were both there to present the award for Best Collaboration. Flav used the opportunity to create what he called a “little Olympic moment,” honoring Chiles’ perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity.

This gesture came a month after an arbitration panel refused to reconsider its ruling on Chiles’ medal, leaving USA Gymnastics determined to pursue all legal options in the hopes of reversing the decision. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her medal, Flavor Flav’s gift was a sparkling reminder of Chiles’ achievements and her bright future ahead.

The heartwarming exchange at the VMAs highlights not only the camaraderie between athletes and their supporters but also Flavor Flav’s ongoing presence as a cultural icon who continues to uplift and inspire those around him.