Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

As a former athlete who has experienced the highs and lows of competition, I can deeply empathize with both Sabrina Chiles and Ana Barbosu in this heart-wrenching situation. It’s unfortunate that rules and technicalities have overshadowed their incredible performances and sportsmanship.


Jordan Chiles is not alone in her battle for bronze.

As a dedicated follower, I’m sharing that while Ana Barbosu of Romania has been granted the third-place medal in the individual floor routine by the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS), both USA Gymnastics (USAG) and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) are leaving no stone unturned to keep Jordan’s bronze medal secure.

More recently, both parties have raised concerns about the Communications Association for Sport (CAS) not providing organizations with a prompt update regarding the case and the subsequent hearing related to the medal ruling.

In a statement issued on August 14th, USAG stated that they only became aware of the case on August 9th – three days after it had been filed, beyond the deadline for submitting objections concerning the panelists, and just hours before the hearing. This delay was because the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) sent the case filings to incorrect email addresses.

Furthermore, as we emphasize the video evidence showing that Jordan’s inquiry was submitted within the one-minute deadline, USAG added, “Additionally, CAS did not provide conflict-of-interest declarations from any panelist to USA Gymnastics, and to this day, we have not seen such disclosures.”

The organization concluded their announcement by assuring they would persist in challenging the ruling, aiming to secure justice for Jordan Chiles.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

In a statement to CNN, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee explained that they faced similar issues due to incorrect emails being used, which led to delays in receiving information. As a result, the Committee was unable to respond appropriately within a reasonable timeframe or collect sufficient evidence.

Initially, Jordan’s medal was taken away because the CAS found that the investigation into her score was submitted four seconds past the one-minute deadline. However, it was later claimed by USAG that they had submitted a time-stamped video showing the inquiry was placed at 47 seconds and then again at the 55-second mark, suggesting it was done within the deadline.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

The CAS, however, dismissed the evidence.

On Monday, USA Gymnastics received a communication from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) stating that their rules do not permit the re-evaluation of an arbitral decision, even if compelling new evidence is brought to light. A message posted on the organization’s X account on August 12 expressed profound disappointment over this notification and confirmed their intention to explore every available option and appeal process, including appealing to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to secure fair scoring, placement, and medal allocation for Jordan.

On August 13th, USAG expressed through X: “While we’re enjoying the achievements of our Team USA Gymnasts online, rest assured that we’re fully committed to seeking justice for Jordan.”

For a complete breakdown of this ongoing controversy, keep reading.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

A week following Team USA’s gold victory in the artistic gymnastics women’s team final at the 2024 Olympics, Jordan Chiles aimed to secure her initial individual Olympic medal during the women’s floor exercise final. As the concluding competitor in the event, she was aware that she needed to surpass the scores of Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade (14.166), USA’s Simone Biles (14.133) and Romania’s Ana Barbosu (13.700) to reach the podium. After executing her Beyoncé-inspired performance, Chiles was awarded a score of 13.666, placing her fifth in the competition.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

After discussing it with their coaches, they formally questioned the scoring of a move in Chiles’ routine known as the tour jeté full. As explained by NBC Olympics, an inquiry is a dispute over a routine’s score, which can only be initiated after the gymnast’s final score is displayed and before the next competitor starts their routine. If the gymnast is the last to compete, there is a one-minute time limit to submit the written inquiry following the showing of the score on the scoreboard. In this case, the scoring inquiry was about a split leap in Chiles’ routine. Olympian and NBC gymnastics analyst John Roethlisberger mentioned during the broadcast that in the team qualification and final, Chiles did not receive credit for this skill. Her coaches felt she performed it better in the final, so they decided to submit an inquiry as they had nothing to lose. After reviewing the routine, the judges granted the inquiry and awarded Chiles 0.1 points for the leap, increasing her score to 13.766 for third place.

Consequently, Chile, moved to tears of joy upon seeing the outcome, claimed the bronze medal. On the other hand, Barbosu, who had been enthusiastically displaying the Romanian flag following her impressive show, ultimately missed out on a spot on the podium.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

Following my emotional departure from Bercy Arena, I took to social media to express my gratitude. On Instagram, I penned, “Thank you all for your heartwarming messages!” I’ve decided to step away from social media for a while.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

Chiles further discussed the incredible feeling she experienced when she found out she had won the bronze medal. Reflecting on the moment, she expressed a mix of emotions and thoughts on Good Morning America. “I couldn’t be more pleased with myself,” she said, acknowledging Ana Barbosu as an exceptional athlete who has accomplished much in gymnastics. This shows her pride not only in herself but also for her fellow competitor.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

In response to accusations of cheating on social media, coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi defended the U.S. team. On Instagram, she wrote: “I don’t usually feel compelled to respond, but this time I will. Jordan Chiles’ highest possible start value on floor is a 5.9. At qualifications and team finals, she received a 5.8, which we didn’t question because not all elements were completed. However, during the floor finals, I believed she performed better, so with nothing to lose, I inquired about it. To my surprise, my request was accepted. Jordan deserved this bronze medal and I am incredibly proud of her achievement.”

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

As a devoted follower, I must share that while my excitement for our gymnasts was uncontainable, it seemed not everyone felt the same. The Romanian Federation of Gymnastics took action on behalf of Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who finished fourth. They argued that the investigation into Chiles’ case was initiated past the one-minute deadline and contested a 0.1 execution penalty given to Maneca-Voinea.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

A few days passed, and Chiles’ mom, Gina, vocalized the “offensive racist remarks” she encountered online. In a post on X, she expressed her exhaustion with those who claim it no longer exists. “My daughter is an esteemed Olympian adorned with numerous accolades, possessing an unparalleled heart and exceptional sportsmanship…yet she’s being labeled in a disgraceful manner.”

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

The Court of Arbitration for Sport validated Barbosu’s appeal, stating that Chiles’ inquiry was submitted after the one-minute deadline expired. Consequently, Chiles’ initial score of 13.666 was reinstated by the court, while dismissing Maneca-Voinea’s application concerning her penalty for execution.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

USA gymnasts Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera voiced their support for Barbozu. On Instagram Stories, Carey stated, “It’s unfair to penalize the athlete for someone else’s error. You are always an Olympic champion with much to be proud of, Jo.” Meanwhile, Romanian Prime Minister Ciolacu rejoiced over Barbosu being reinstated as third place on Facebook, saying, “Justice has been upheld.”

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

The International Olympic Committee has decided that Romania’s Ana Barbosu will be given Chile’s won bronze medal from the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final, after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport and an adjustment to the rankings by the International Gymnastics Federation. The IOC is currently communicating with both Romania and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee about the reallocation ceremony and the return of the bronze medal, respectively.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

After that, Barbosu pondered over her decision.

“Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you,” the 18-year-old wrote on Instagram Stories Aug. 11. “I understand what you’re going through because I’ve been in a similar situation. But I have faith that you’ll bounce back even stronger. From the deepest part of my heart, I hope that at the next Olympics, all three of us will stand on the same podium together. This is my sincere dream.”

“This predicament wouldn’t have occurred if those in charge had followed the rules,” she added. “We athletes are not to blame, and the hostility directed towards us is hurtful. I wanted to conclude this edition of the Paris 2024 Olympics Games with the true spirit of Olympism, the genuine value of the world.”

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

USA Gymnastics argued that their inquiry for gymnast Alyssa Baumann, submitted on her coach Cecile Landi’s behalf, was made within the specified timeframe and provided evidence to support this claim. They stated that they had sent a letter and video proof to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on August 11th, which showed that Landi requested an inquiry 47 seconds after the score was published, well within the 1-minute deadline as per FIG rules. Furthermore, USA Gymnastics asked the CAS to revise their ruling and reinstate Baumann’s bronze medal score of 13.766.

Jordan Chiles Controversy: USA Gymnastics Cite New Issues With Ruling

After sending the letter and video, USA Gymnastics was informed by CAS that their rules do not permit a reevaluation of an arbitral decision, even when compelling new evidence is brought forward. This news has left us extremely disheartened, but we are determined to explore all available options and appeal routes, such as the Swiss Federal Tribunal, in order to secure fair scoring, placement, and medal recognition for Jordan.

Read More

2024-08-15 20:50