As a former gymnast myself, I can empathize with Jordan Chiles‘ situation wholeheartedly. The Olympic Games are a pinnacle of athletic achievement, and to have one’s hard-earned medal snatched away due to a technicality is heartbreaking.
Jordan Chiles is speaking her truth.
The gymnast who represented Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics has found herself at the center of a heated debate over the bronze medal she earned. Four months after doubts were cast on her victory, the young athlete (aged 23) has finally broken her silence in a public statement, expressing her apprehension about discussing her version of events and disclosing fresh details.
She declared on the November 11 episode of the “Today” show, “This is my bronze medal,” addressing Hoda Kotb. The medal, which is under controversy at present, she claimed as her own.
Earlier reports suggested that Chiles had lost her medal in the individual floor routine and was required to give it to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, as evidenced by photos showing Barbosu wearing the bronze medal that originally belonged to Chiles.
frankly, it’s been incredibly challenging for me to make sense of everything that’s transpired lately, but now I finally feel at ease enough to discuss what has taken place. truthfully, over the past four to five months, I’ve been trying to convince myself that I’m alright, and in reality, it’s been a extremely tough period for me.
Chiles confessed that she found it hard to accept the fact that, despite making the right decisions, she could still lose her bronze medal and speak openly about her experiences.
She clarified that it’s difficult to convince oneself that all is well when one knows beyond doubt that nothing wrong was done, but everything was perfect. Everything happened exactly when it should have, and yet they returned to claim it was four seconds late, despite our evidence that clearly shows everything was right.
Initially, Simone Chiles finished fifth in her individual floor routine competition. However, after her coach contested the judges’ decision, it was found that there had been a mistake in the score calculation, resulting in Chiles being ranked third. Later, the International Olympics Committee stated that although it appeared the coach had submitted the appeal within the allowed time, the footage from Simone Biles’ documentary crew showed that the appeal came four seconds too late, potentially exceeding the permitted timeframe.
In a heartfelt manner, Chiles expressed, “I’ve been saying, ‘Alright, I may not have control over external events, but I can decide on my own truth.’ I am certain about what the truth is, and I stand firmly behind the fact that everything we did was just.
For her, the specific medal held great significance beyond Team USA’s gold win in Paris, as she put it, “It was an extra delight, almost like the icing on the cake. My mission heading into Paris was indeed about redemption – returning with a gold and confirming that I could perform at my best. But this floor medal was an unexpected surprise, a confirmation that I surpassed even my own expectations by making it to the floor final.
Additionally, it mattered a lot to her to share the podium with her teammate Biles (who won silver) and Rebecca Andrade from Brazil (who claimed gold).
Chiles stated that it was a remarkable moment when the podium was entirely occupied by Black athletes, making history. He expressed his great pride in being a part of this significant event.
With regards to the future, Chile hasn’t dismissed the possibility of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but at present, her attention is primarily on handling the aftermath of the Paris games.
Los Angeles has been constantly on my thoughts, I confessed. Currently, I’m merely attempting to absorb the recent events from Paris and approach each day as it comes.
For more on the Chiles controversy, read on.
A week following Team USA’s triumphant win at the women’s team final for artistic gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics, I, Jordan Chiles, embarked on my journey to claim my first individual Olympic medal during the women’s floor exercise final. As the last competitor in this event, I was aware that I 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) if I wanted a podium finish. After delivering my Beyoncé-inspired performance, I was awarded a score of 13.666, securing me fifth place in the competition.
After discussing it with her coaches, she raised a question about one of her moves, specifically a split leap called tour jeté full. According to NBC Olympics, this is a formal challenge of the score given to a routine, which must be submitted before the end of the rotation and can only be made after the gymnast’s final score is posted and before the next gymnast begins their routine. If the gymnast is the last to compete, there is a one-minute time limit for submitting this inquiry. In the team qualification and final, she had not been given credit for this skill, as initially evaluated by the judges. However, her coaches believed she performed it better in the final, so they decided to submit an inquiry. After reviewing Chiles’ routine, the judges accepted the inquiry and added 0.1 to her score for that leap, raising her final score to 13.766, placing her in third place.
Consequently, Chile (overwhelmed with joy) claimed the bronze medal, while Barbosu (already celebrating Romania’s achievement with a waved flag) unfortunately missed out on a spot on the podium.
Following the event at Bercy Arena, Barbosu – visibly emotional as she departed – responded to the news via social media platforms. On Instagram, she expressed her gratitude by saying, “Thank you all for your supportive messages!” She then announced her intention to step away from social media for a while.
Chiles described the incredible feeling she had when she learned she won the bronze medal. On Good Morning America, she said, “There were countless emotions and thoughts rushing through my mind when I found out about the medal. I couldn’t be more proud of myself, but Ana Barbosu is an exceptional athlete too. She’s achieved great things in gymnastics as well. So, I’m proud of myself, but also very proud of her.
Coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi defended herself on social media when a user accused the U.S. coaches of cheating to help Chiles win a medal. In response, she wrote on Instagram: “I don’t usually feel the need to explain, but I will this one time. Jordan’s highest possible score on floor exercise is 5.9. At qualifications and team finals, she received a 5.8, and we didn’t question it because not all elements were completed. However, during the final, I believed Chiles performed better and since she had nothing to lose, I inquired about it. To my surprise, they accepted my request. Jordan won this bronze medal fair and square; I did not steal anything from anyone. I merely fulfilled my duty as a coach and fought for my athlete. I empathize with the Romanian athlete, but it’s part of the sport. You may not like it, but you must respect the outcome. Jordan earned this bronze medal, her first individual Olympic medal, and I couldn’t be more proud and excited!
Nevertheless, not all individuals were equally thrilled as the Romanian Gymnastics Federation submitted protests for gymnasts Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who finished fourth. The Romanian Gymnastics Federation contended that the investigation into Chiles was performed past the one-minute limit and challenged a 0.1 deduction in execution skill that Maneca-Voinea received. Furthermore, Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, announced on August 6th his intention to skip the Olympic Closing Ceremony, asserting that the two athletes had been unfairly treated.
A few days passed, and Gina, Chiles’ mother, voiced out the “racist, vile comments” she was encountering online. She expressed her frustration on X, saying, “I am fed up with those who claim it no longer exists. My daughter is a highly esteemed Olympian with an extraordinary heart and exceptional sportsmanship…and yet, she’s being called despicable names.
In summary, the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed Barbosu’s appeal, stating that Chiles’ appeal was submitted after the one-minute deadline had expired. This decision led to Chiles’ initial score of 13.666 being reinstated, while dismissing Maneca-Voinea’s application regarding her penalty for execution.
USA gymnasts Biles, Suni Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera voiced their backing for Barbosu. On Instagram Stories, Jade Carey penned, “It’s not fair to penalize the athlete for someone else’s error.” She continued, “You have always been an Olympic champion who should be proud of your achievements. I stand with you, Jo.
According to a statement made to NBC News, the International Olympic Committee announced that Chile will need to return the bronze medal from the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final. This decision was based on the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) ruling and the International Gymnastics Federation’s amended ranking. The IOC has been in touch with Romania, who will receive the reallocated bronze medal, and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee about the return of the medal.
After that, Barbosu pondered over her decision.
“Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you,” the 18-year-old wrote on Instagram Stories August 11th. “I understand what you’re going through because I’ve been there too. But I know you’ll bounce back stronger. In my heart’s deepest desire, may we all stand together on the same podium at the next Olympics. This is my genuine aspiration.”
“This predicament wouldn’t have arisen if those in authority had adhered to the rules,” she added. “We athletes are not responsible for this, and the hostility we face is distressing. I wish to conclude the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with the essence of Olympism, the true spirit of the world.
USA Gymnastics maintains that they submitted a request for an investigation within the designated timeframe regarding Cecile Landi and presented video evidence to support this claim. The organization claims they sent a letter and video proof to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which shows Landi making her inquiry 47 seconds after the score was published, well within the required 1-minute deadline according to FIG rules. USA Gymnastics asks that the initial ruling be revised and Chiles’ bronze medal score of 13.766 be reinstated. The video evidence provided by USA Gymnastics, which they didn’t have access to before the tribunal’s decision, shows Landi stating her intention to file an inquiry at the inquiry table 47 seconds after the score was posted, followed shortly thereafter by another statement 55 seconds after the initial score posting.
After sending the letter and video, USA Gymnastics announced that they had been informed by CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) that their rules do not permit a reconsideration of an arbitral award, even when new conclusive evidence is presented. This has left us greatly disheartened, said USAG in a statement, and we will persistently work on every available appeal pathway and process, such as the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to fight for the fair judging, placement, and medal allocation for Jordan.
Barbosu was awarded the bronze medal in a ceremony held at her home country of Romania.
She shared with reporters following the award ceremony, “I find myself reflecting on Sabrina and Jordan currently. This situation is challenging for us, filled with numerous doubts and intense feelings. I wish people can appreciate our innocence amidst the Olympic events.
Lawyers representing Chiles submitted an appeal to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court, aiming to reverse a previous decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which led to the loss of her bronze medal.
According to a statement from Gibson Dunn, the lawyers representing the gymnast, this appeal goes beyond just the bronze medal. Instead, Chiles is fighting for her cause to inspire the entire Olympic community to make changes that will prevent future athletes from experiencing a similar predicament.
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2024-11-11 18:55