Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

As a former athlete who has experienced the bittersweet taste of victory and defeat, I can empathize with both Sabrina Vega and Ana Barbosu. The Olympic Games are a testament to human spirit, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. However, this situation surrounding the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final is a stark reminder that rules and regulations can sometimes overshadow the very ideals they were intended to uphold.


Laurie Hernandez doesn’t feel the Olympics stuck this particular landing.

Following the dispute concerning the bronze medal, which eventually led to Jordan Chiles passing her medal to Ana Barbosu from Romania, Laurie shared her thoughts on what transpired.

In a recent, exclusive interview with TopMob News, she mentioned that she has tried reaching out to Jordan a little. She believes he is going through immense sadness right now, and there are simply no words adequate enough to describe the depth of his pain.

As I stood there, an observer at the 2024 Olympics, witnessing Ana’s initial loss of her hard-earned medal, I can honestly say it was a challenging moment. The competitive spirit of sports often brings such highs and lows, and this instance was no exception. Yet, amidst the emotional turmoil, Laurie and I both acknowledged that the situation was complex and somewhat chaotic – a testament to the unpredictable nature of sporting events.

As a lifestyle expert, I recently shared my insights at Sprouts Farmers Market during a book signing of my 2018 release, “She’s Got This.” During this event, I voiced my disappointment over an instance where both Team USA and Romania jointly advocated for athletes to share a medal in a heated competition. Unfortunately, their request was turned down, leaving me reflecting on the power of unity and sportsmanship.

“Jordan had to return the medal, allowing Romania to claim bronze again, she remarked sadly. It’s truly unfortunate and all unfolding under public scrutiny. I sympathize with Jordan deeply because none of this is her or anyone else’s direct fault – neither hers, nor her coach’s, nor the judge’s.”

So where does Laurie place the blame?

The athlete who triumphed with a silver medal individually and gold team victory at the 2016 Rio Olympics remarked: “If the one who gave the approval knew it was overdue, then so be it.” He emphasized, “The responsibility lies with them. I admire the rigidity of the rules, but athletes’ circumstances also matter. My empathy goes out to both competitors, as this situation unfolds under public scrutiny.”

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

While Jordan initially stayed out of sight as others argued over her keeping the bronze medal, she eventually spoke up through a heartfelt post on social media once it was clear she would have to relinquish it.

In her Aug. 15 message, Jordan conveyed that the decision seemed unfair to her and it was a substantial setback. However, she also expressed appreciation towards those who stood by her, while criticizing those who displayed hostility towards her.

“In addition to the sorrow, unexpected racial slurs on social media are unjust and deeply painful,” the 23-year-old expressed. “I’ve invested a great deal of emotion and effort into this sport, and I am immensely proud to embody my culture and nation.”

Jordan, too, pointed out that although she faced a setback and endured racially charged opposition, her passion for her beloved sport remains unwavering; it will not discourage her from pressing on.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

The UCLA student emphasized that they will always stand firm by their principles: fair competition, pursuit of quality, sportsmanship, and adherence to rules promoting fairness. They take pleasure in cheering for all teams or nations. Re-discovering joy has been a transformative experience, and it’s heartening to see others joining in this authenticity. It feels as if they have empowered everyone to express their true selves.

She went on to admit, “I’m currently facing one of the toughest professional tests I’ve ever encountered. Let me emphasize that there have been plenty before this. However, I plan to tackle this predicament just as I have others, giving my utmost to achieve fairness and justice. I am confident that those in charge will ultimately choose the right course of action.”

To learn about the various highs and lows in Jordan’s quest for the bronze medal, continue reading as we delve into a comprehensive analysis of the surrounding controversy.

– Reporting by Nikaline McCarley

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

A week following Team USA’s gold victory in the women’s team final for artistic gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics, Jordan Chiles aimed to earn her initial individual Olympic medal during the women’s floor exercise final.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

In summary, after the gymnast’s performance, her coaches chose to question the scoring of a specific move called the tour jeté full. According to NBC Olympics and the International Gymnastic Federation (FIG), this is known as a scoring inquiry or verbal challenge. The coaches submitted this written inquiry before the end of the rotation, after Chiles’ final score was posted but before the next gymnast performed. If there was no other competitor left to perform, they had one minute to submit the inquiry after the score was displayed on the scoreboard. John Roethlisberger, an Olympian and NBC gymnastics analyst, mentioned during the broadcast that Chiles did not receive credit for this skill during team qualification or final, despite her coaches believing she performed it better this time. After reviewing the routine, the judges agreed with the inquiry and added 0.1 to Chiles’ score, boosting it to 13.766 and securing third place.

Consequently, Chile, overwhelmed with joy upon seeing the outcome, received a bronze medal. Simultaneously, Barbosu, who had been enthusiastically displaying Romania’s flag following her impressive display, was ultimately denied a spot on the podium.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

Following my emotional exit from Bercy Arena, I expressed my feelings on social media. Here’s what I posted on Instagram: “Thank you all for your heartwarming messages of support! I’ll be stepping away from social media for a while.”

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

Chiles described the incredible feeling she experienced when she learned she had won the bronze medal. Speaking on Good Morning America, she reminisced, “There were countless emotions swirling through my mind at that moment. I couldn’t be prouder of myself, but I also have immense pride for Ana Barbosa, an exceptional gymnast who has achieved incredible feats in her own right.”

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

Coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi defended herself on social media after a user accused U.S. coaches of cheating to help Chiles win a medal. She wrote, “I don’t normally feel the need to explain, but here goes… Jordan’s maximum start value on floor is 5.9. At qualifications and team finals, she scored a 5.8, and we didn’t question it because not all elements were completed. However, during the floor finals, I believed she had performed better. As she was in fifth place with nothing to lose, I submitted an inquiry to avoid regret. I never expected it to be accepted, but surprisingly, it was. Jordan won the bronze medal and I didn’t steal from anyone. I merely did my job and fought for my athlete. I feel bad for the Romanian athlete, but this is the nature of sport. You may not like it, but you must respect the results and most importantly, respect Jordan. She truly deserved that bronze medal, her first individual Olympic medal, and I couldn’t be more proud and excited!”

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

Nevertheless, not every individual matched her enthusiasm as the Romanian Gymnastics Federation lodged protests for both Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who finished fourth. The Romanian Gymnastics Federation maintained that the investigation against Chiles was carried out past the one-minute deadline and contested a 0.1 deduction in execution that Maneca-Voinea received.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

A few days passed, and Gina, Chiles’ mother, spoke out against the “racist, vile comments” she encountered online. In a post on X, she expressed her exhaustion with those who deny its existence. Her daughter, an esteemed Olympian with an unrivaled heart and exceptional sportsmanship, was being called despicable names.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

In summary, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Barbosu’s appeal and found that Chiles’ inquiry was submitted past the one-minute deadline. Consequently, CAS reinstated Chiles’ initial score of 13.666 and dismissed Maneca-Voinea’s application regarding her execution penalty. Subsequently, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) updated the results to reflect Chiles’ original score. USA Gymnastics expressed their disappointment with the CAS decision, stating that the inquiry into Jordan Chiles’ floor exercise routine was filed in good faith according to FIG rules and to ensure accurate scoring. They further emphasized that Chiles has been subjected to unwarranted attacks on social media, which they condemned, expressing support for her integrity both on and off the competition floor.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

USA gymnasts Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera have voiced their solidarity with Chiles. On Instagram Stories, Carey stated, “It’s unfair to penalize the athlete for someone else’s error.” She continued, “You are forever an Olympic champion with much to be proud of, Jo.” In a separate instance, Romanian Prime Minister Ciolacu rejoiced as Barbosu was reinstated to third place on Facebook, stating, “Justice has been upheld.”

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

According to a statement made to NBC News by the International Olympic Committee, due to changes in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final rankings as a result of a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and adjustments made by the International Gymnastics Federation, Chile will need to return the bronze medal they won. The IOC is currently communicating with Romania’s National Olympic Committee about organizing a ceremony to reallocate the bronze medal to Ana Barbosu from Romania. Additionally, discussions are being held with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee regarding the process of returning the bronze medal.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

Afterwards, Barbosu pondered over her decision.

“Sabrina, Jordan,” the 18-year-old wrote on Instagram Stories August 11th, “My thoughts are with you. I know what you’re experiencing because I’ve gone through something similar. But I believe you’ll bounce back stronger. From the depth of my heart, I hope that at the next Olympics, all three of us will stand together on the podium. This is my deepest aspiration.”

“This situation wouldn’t have arisen if those in charge had adhered to the rules,” she added. “We athletes shouldn’t bear the blame for this, and the hostility directed towards us is distressing. I wish to conclude the Paris 2024 Olympics Games in the spirit of Olympism, the true essence of our world.”

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

Despite allegations suggesting otherwise, USA Gymnastics asserted that their inquiry on behalf of Chiles had been submitted within the stipulated timeframe. They provided video evidence to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which they claim proves this. In a statement released on August 11th, USA Gymnastics stated that Head Coach Cecile Landi’s request to file an inquiry was made 47 seconds after the score was published, within the required one-minute deadline according to FIG rules. They requested a revision of the ruling by the CAS and the reinstatement of Chiles’ bronze medal score of 13.766. The video evidence provided by USA Gymnastics shows Canqueteau-Landi making her request for an inquiry at the inquiry table 47 seconds after the score was posted, followed shortly thereafter by a second statement. It was mentioned that this video footage was not available to USA Gymnastics prior to the tribunal’s decision, and thus they did not have the chance to submit it earlier.

Laurie Hernandez Shares Update on Jordan Chiles After Controversy

One day following the submission of the letter and video, USA Gymnastics announced that they had been informed by CAS that their rules don’t permit a reevaluation of an arbitral decision, even with compelling new evidence presented. In response, USAG expressed deep disappointment in a statement and vowed to keep pursuing every available recourse and appeal process, such as the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to secure fair scoring, placement, and medal allocation for Jordan.

Read More

2024-08-27 16:49