Jordan Chiles bronze medal controversy continues’

Jordan Chiles Deems Arbitration Decision Unjust After Losing Bronze Medal at Paris Olympics

American gymnast Jordan Chiles has expressed deep frustration and disappointment over an arbitration ruling that stripped her of the bronze medal in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics. In a message shared on social media Thursday, Chiles described the decision as “unjust” and a “significant blow” to her and her supporters.

The controversy began when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it would reallocate the bronze medal to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu. Barbosu is set to receive the medal on Friday in a ceremony in Bucharest, following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Initially, Chiles finished fifth in the final round of the floor exercise, which featured eight competitors. However, an appeal by Team USA coach Cecile Landi challenged Chiles’ score, requesting credit for a maneuver that would have increased her score by 0.1 points. The appeal was successful, elevating Chiles to third place, and she was awarded the bronze medal during the official ceremony.

Romania, however, filed a successful protest with CAS, arguing that Landi’s appeal was submitted after the one-minute deadline following the posting of Chiles’ score. The arbitration panel agreed with Romania, ruling that the bronze medal should be awarded to Barbosu. Consequently, the International Gymnastics Federation reinstated the original standings, and the IOC confirmed the reallocation of the bronze medal to Barbosu.

In her Instagram post, Chiles conveyed her shock and sadness, stating, “This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”

USA Gymnastics, the sport’s governing body in the United States, has vowed to continue its efforts to allow Chiles to retain the medal. The organization disputes Romania’s claim that Landi’s appeal was submitted four seconds late, asserting that they have provided video evidence showing that Landi initiated the appeal 13 seconds before the deadline.

CAS released a detailed explanation of its decision on Wednesday, highlighting that USA Gymnastics did not raise any concerns about the timing system during the hearing. The hearing itself was arranged with less than 24 hours’ notice due to a clerical error by CAS, which mistakenly sent notifications to the wrong email address. Despite these challenges, Landi acknowledged that her request for an inquiry was “immediately” granted.

Chiles, who is 23 years old, has faced additional adversity in the form of racially charged attacks on social media, which she has denounced as “wrong and extremely hurtful.” She will soon return to competition in January, as she begins her junior year at UCLA.

Reflecting on the situation, Chiles shared, “I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many. I will approach the challenge as I have others — and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”