Chiles Won the Bronze Medal
Olympian Gymnast Jordan Chiles is involved in a controversy at the 2024 Paris Olympics regarding her bronze medal in the women’s floor exercise.
Initially, Chiles finished fifth, but after her coach requested a review of her difficulty score, it was adjusted, pushing her up to third place. This bumped Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu to fourth, causing some contention.
Not So Fast
After the winners received their medals on the podium, the Romanian team contested the score change, arguing that Chiles’ coach had submitted the review request four seconds past the allowed one-minute window. For five days, Chiles, her coach, teammates and the world have been waiting for the ruling.
The Decision
On Saturday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of the Romanian appeal, deciding that the request was indeed late. As a result, Chiles was stripped of her bronze medal, which was then re-awarded to Barbosu.
The court said that Chiles should have received a score of 13.666 in the event, which would have placed her fifth, just shy of the Olympic podium.
Chiles and USA Gymnastics Response
Chiles posted a series of emotional Instagram stories on Saturday in response to the ruling, including one that showed a series of broken heart emojis, and another that included her announcement that she would be leaving social media.
“I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health,” Chiles wrote.
USA Gymnastics and USOPCE said in a statement that they were “devastated” by the ruling.
“Throughout the appeal process, Jordan has been subject to consistent, utterly baseless and extremely hurtful attacks on social media. No athlete should be subject to such treatment. We condemn the attacks and those who engage, support or instigate them. We commend Jordan for conducting herself with integrity both on and off the competition floor, and we continue to stand by and support her,” said USA Gymnastics and USOPCE.
Romanian Gymnast Responds
Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu spoke for the first time on Sunday after the controversial decision and was awarded the bronze medal.
“Sabrina [Maneca-Voinea], Jordan, my thoughts are with you. I know what you are feeling, because I’ve been through the same. But I know you’ll come back stronger,” Barbosu wrote, addressing Chiles and her fellow Team Romania gymnast, who moved to fifth and fourth places.
“I hope from deep of my heart that at the next Olympics, all three of us will share [the] same podium,” she continued. “This is my true dream!”
An Appeal has been filed
This decision has been controversial and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee said it will appeal the court’s decision, stating that Chiles rightfully earned her bronze medal. In a statement, the USOPC highlighted what it described as “critical errors” in both the initial scoring by FIG and the subsequent CAS appeal process. The committee also noted that they were not given adequate time or notice to effectively challenge the CAS decision.
The exact path for the appeal remains unclear, but the USOPC is exploring options that could include taking the case to Switzerland’s highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights. The appeal process is expected to be complex and lengthy.
Team USA, Nadia Comaneci and Américas Response
Members of Team USA, Celebrities and America are responding to the controversial decision with overwhelming support of Chiles and her being allowed to keep her bronze medal while also awarding a bronze medal to Barbosu. Lebron James retweeted an image of Chiles shared by Team USA that said “Forever THAT girl” with a series of emojis, including the infinity symbol with several exclamation marks, a heart and an American flag.
This situation has drawn considerable attention from the gymnastics community and sports fans worldwide, with many expressing their support for Chiles. Romanian gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci expressed concern for Barbosu’s mental health, given the emotional rollercoaster the young gymnast experienced after initially celebrating her bronze medal before it was taken away and then restored. Comaneci also criticized the judges for their handling of the situation.
“I can’t believe we play with athletes mental health and emotions like this… let’s protect them,” Comaneci posted on X earlier in the week, as reported by the Associated Press.
