Jordan Chiles Stripped Of Bronze Floor Exercise Medal
The gymnastics world was rocked this week after American gymnast Jordan Chiles was stripped of her bronze medal in the women's floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics.
The decision came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favour of an appeal by the Romanian Olympic Committee, which argued that the U.S. team were too late in submitting an inquiry into Chiles' score.
What Happened?
Chiles initially placed fifth with a score of 13.666, but after her coach, Cecile Landi, requested an inquiry into her difficulty score, her total was increased to 13.766, moving her up to third place. This adjustment pushed Romania's Ana Barbosu, who had scored 13.700, down to fourth, sparking outrage and a formal protest from the Romanian team.
The appeal hinged on the timing of Landi’s inquiry, which CAS determined was submitted four seconds past the one-minute limit allowed for such appeals. On Saturday, CAS upheld the Romanian appeal, leading the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) to restore the original results, which put Barbosu back in third place and Chiles in fifth.
Chiles announces break from social media after online backlash
The decision has drawn significant backlash, particularly on social media, where Chiles has faced harsh criticism. In response to the ruling, USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed their dismay, stating they were "devastated" by the outcome and condemning the "consistent, utterly baseless and extremely hurtful attacks" directed at Chiles online.
Chiles, who is already back in the United States, posted a brief message on social media indicating she is taking a break for her mental health. "I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health, thank you," she wrote.
Her teammates, including Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, have publicly supported her, with Biles posting, "Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ, we love you."
Ana Barbosu speaks out on situation
The controversy has not only impacted Chiles but also the Romanian gymnast involved. Ana Barbosu, who has now officially reclaimed the bronze medal, emphasised that the athletes themselves were not at fault.
"We as athletes don’t deserve something like that. The problems lie with the judges, with their calculations and decisions," Barbosu said after returning home.
The reallocation of the bronze medal will be handled by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is coordinating with both the U.S. and Romanian Olympic Committees to manage the return of Chiles' medal and the reallocation ceremony for Barbosu.
