Jordan Chiles, the talented American gymnast, has expressed her strong discontent regarding the arbitration panel’s ruling that requires her to return the bronze medal she earned in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics. She described the decision as “unjust” and a “significant blow” in a heartfelt message shared on social media Thursday.
Following the panel’s decision, the International Olympic Committee announced that the bronze medal would be reallocated to Ana Barbosu of Romania. This outcome stems from a protest by Romania, which claimed that Team USA coach Cecile Landi’s appeal was filed too late. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Landi’s appeal was submitted after the one-minute window had closed.
Chiles initially believed she had secured the bronze after judges adjusted her score due to Landi’s appeal. However, the ruling to award the medal to Barbosu has left Chiles and her supporters feeling disheartened. “I have no words,” she wrote in her Instagram post. “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.”
In response to this situation, USA Gymnastics has vowed to continue fighting for Chiles to retain her medal. The organization disputes Romania’s claim that Landi’s appeal was four seconds late, asserting that video evidence shows the appeal was made 13 seconds before the deadline.
Chiles concluded her message by acknowledging the challenge ahead. “I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career,” she stated. “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.”
