Jordan Chiles has expressed her deep disappointment regarding the removal of her 2024 Paris Olympics bronze medal.
The American gymnast initially secured fifth place after her performance on 5 August at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Following an appeal, she was promoted to the third position, only to be demoted again when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decided that the appeal was made too late.
In her recent statement, Chiles described the court’s ruling as “unfair” and spoke out against the “racially motivated attacks” aimed at her on social media. She expressed her frustration by saying, “I am speechless. This decision appears unjust and is a severe setback not just for me, but for all who have supported my journey.”
She emphasized, “I have dedicated myself to this sport with all my heart and soul, and I am immensely proud to represent my heritage and country.”
Chiles also extended her gratitude to her supporters, USA Gymnastics, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, all of whom have vowed to challenge the decision to strip her of the bronze medal.
Initially placed fifth, Chiles was later elevated to the third position after Cecile Landi, a coach with Team USA, contested her scoring difficulty.
This adjustment boosted Chiles’ score from 13.666 to 13.766, securing her the bronze medal ahead of Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, who departed the arena in tears before her nation’s gymnastics federation lodged its own appeal.
Meanwhile, American gymnast Simone Biles claimed the second spot in the women’s artistic gymnastics individual floor finals, with Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade clinching the gold.
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On 10 August, CAS determined that Ms. Landi’s inquiry about Chiles’ difficulty score was made four seconds beyond the deadline.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced on Saturday that it would honor the court’s decision by advancing Barbosu to the third spot.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) endorsed the ruling on Sunday, redistributing the medal and instructing Chiles to return it.
USA Gymnastics expressed deep disappointment over the CAS verdict and asserted that they presented “conclusive new evidence” that an inquiry was initiated 13 seconds before the deadline.
Should Team USA opt to further appeal, the case could be taken to Switzerland’s highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.
