US gymnast Jordan Chiles says losing Olympic medal ‘devastating’ and unjust blow
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Jordan Chiles looks at her bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LOS ANGELES – American gymnast Jordan Chiles said on Aug 15 that being stripped of a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics has been devastating and heartbreaking, but believed that there will be justice in the end.
The 23-year-old also said that a swirl of social media attacks have been extremely hurtful as she tries to recover from the controversy over the floor exercise final.
Romanian Ana Barbosu stood third in the standings but a score revision over degree of difficulty lifted Chiles from fifth to third.
But Romania appealed against the decision and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the US inquiry over the results came too late, prompting the International Gymnastics Federation to award the medal to Barbosu.
Brazilian Rebeca Andrade had won the gold and silver went to the decorated Simone Biles of the United States, who took gold in the team, all-around and vault.
USA Gymnastics protested against the CAS decision with time-stamped video evidence the appeal was made in time, but CAS said it could not reconsider its decision, prompting USAG to vow it would push the case to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
“While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away,” Chiles said in a statement posted on X.
“I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, which gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful. I have no words. 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.”
Despite the heartache and setbacks, Chiles said she thinks a just outcome will result at some stage.
“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career,” she wrote.
“Believe me when I say I have had many. I will approach this 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.”
Chiles did win a gold medal as part of the triumphant US team, her second Olympic medal after a team silver in Tokyo.
“I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, USAG and the USOPC (US Olympic and Paralympic Committee) for their unwavering support during this difficult time,” she added. AFP, REUTERS