Jordan Chiles Was “Heart Is Broken” After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

As a retired gymnast who has been through my fair share of competitions, I can certainly empathize with both Sabrina Chiles and Ana Barbosu in this situation. It’s heartbreaking to see such a hard-earned medal taken away, but it’s also inspiring to see the sportsmanship and camaraderie between athletes.


Jordan Chiles is not holding back. 

Speaking candidly for the first time after the heartbreaking incident at the 2024 Paris Olympics where I lost my bronze medal due to an obscure rule, I found myself struggling to hold back the emotions as I voiced my sentiments on this unfair turn of events.

At the Forbes Power Women’s Summit on September 11, Jordan expressed, “The most significant loss I experienced was not just the acknowledgment of what I do, but the understanding of who I truly am as a person.

In her own words at 23 years old, she conveyed that the series of events wasn’t primarily focused on winning a medal; instead, it was about her racial identity. She explained that her journey to becoming an athlete was influenced by factors related to her skin color and the experiences that led up to this point. Ultimately, she expressed that everything significant in her athletic career had been taken away from her.

Even though she knew she was encompassed by a great deal of affection and encouragement, it proved challenging for the Olympian to fully comprehend and value it all during the initial stages following her decision.

She went on to say, “I’m sensing it now,” as reported by People, “yet initially, it was incredibly tough to truly grasp it due to the immense pain in my heart.

During this challenging situation, where Jordan’s bronze medal win in the gymnastics floor routine was given to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu due to a Court of Arbitration ruling that stated Jordan and her coach had submitted a score inquiry past the one-minute deadline, Team USA member Jordan experienced a sense of being thrust back to 2018. This period, she recounts, was particularly tough for her as it marked a significant loss of her passion for the sport.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

In that challenging circumstance, I found myself yearning for companionship, believing there were those who might lend a hand. Regrettably, it seemed as if they weren’t present when I needed them most, leaving me in a state of profound isolation and uncertainty.

2018 seemed eerily familiar to her because, during that period, she shared that she was enduring a situation where her coach was emotionally and verbally abusive towards her.

She went on saying, “In the past, I couldn’t express myself verbally or make my voice heard. And in this current circumstance, it seems that my voice hasn’t reached others either.

Still, despite all she’s gone through, Jordan is looking positively to her future.

She remarked, “I’ve left my mark on history, and I’ll undoubtedly keep doing so. And let me assure you, it’s a well-deserved achievement. I played by the rules, and so did my coach. Every move we made was correct to the core.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

She added, “I certainly feel deep emotions, including sadness and anger. Yet, I’m also mindful of the fact that I am a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a two-time Olympian, a world champion, and more than just my accomplishments.

Regardless of the twists and turns her career may take, she will always carry those achievements with her.

She stated, “I will continue to shine brilliantly, for my light will never fade, and I’ll always move forward step by step.

To learn more about Jordan’s Olympics ordeal, keep reading.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

A week following Team USA’s gold victory in the artistic gymnastics women’s team final 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. Knowing that I had to outscore Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade (14.166), fellow American Simone Biles (14.133), and Romania’s Ana Barbosu (13.700) if I was to make it to the podium, I gave my all in my Beyoncé-inspired routine. After receiving a score of 13.666, I found myself finishing fifth in this highly competitive event.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

Subsequently, Chiles’ coaches questioned the scoring of her performance. As defined by NBC Olympics, an inquiry is a contestation of a routine’s score, which involves a verbal challenge followed by a written one before the end of the rotation. This challenge can be made only after the gymnast’s final score is posted and before the next gymnast performs.

Consequently, Chile (overwhelmed with joy upon seeing the outcome) secured a bronze medal. Simultaneously, Barbozu, who was already brandishing Romania’s flag following her impressive show, unfortunately missed out on a podium spot.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

Following her departure from Bercy Arena, where tears streamed down her face, Barbosu shared her thoughts on various social media platforms. On Instagram, she expressed gratitude for the supportive messages with the following statement: “Thank you all for your messages of support!” She then announced that she would be temporarily stepping away from social media.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

Chiles additionally described the incredible instant for her when she learned about winning the bronze medal. On “Good Morning America,” she reminisced, “There were so many feelings and thoughts rushing through my mind when I discovered I had earned that bronze medal. I’m incredibly proud of myself, but I’m also extremely proud of Ana Barbosu – she’s an exceptional athlete who has accomplished tremendous things in gymnastics. So, I feel proud of myself, yet also proud of her.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

Coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi defended herself against accusations of cheating on social media, following claims that U.S. coaches helped Chiles win a medal. In response to the allegation, she wrote on Instagram, “I won’t usually respond, but I will this time.” She explained that Jordan Chiles’ highest possible start value on floor exercise was 5.9, but at qualifications and team finals, she received a 5.8, which they didn’t question because not all elements were completed. However, during the final, Canqueteau-Landi believed Chiles had performed better and, with nothing to lose, she inquired about the score. To her surprise, the inquiry was accepted, enabling Chiles to win the bronze medal. Canqueteau-Landi expressed regret for the Romanian athlete who missed out on a medal but emphasized that she didn’t steal anything and simply did her job as a coach, fighting for her athlete. She proudly stated that Chiles had truly earned the bronze medal, marking her first individual Olympic medal.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

Yet, not all individuals echoed her enthusiasm, as the Romanian Gymnastics Federation submitted protests on behalf of Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who finished fourth. The Romanian Gymnastics Federation contended that the investigation concerning Chiles was initiated past the one-minute deadline and challenged a 0.1 deduction in execution skill that Maneca-Voinea received. Moreover, Prime Minister of Romania, Marcel Ciolacu, declared on August 6th that he would skip the Olympics Closing Ceremony, claiming that the two athletes were unfairly treated.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

As a lifestyle expert, I would express it this way:

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

In summary, the Court of Arbitration for Sport agreed with Barbosu’s appeal, stating that Chiles’ inquiry was submitted after the one-minute deadline had expired. Consequently, Chiles’ original score of 13.666 was reinstated, and a decision regarding Maneca-Voinea’s application about her penalty was dismissed.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

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

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

According to a statement made by the International Olympic Committee, they will be giving the bronze medal from the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final to Ana Barbosu (Romania) due to recent changes in the rankings by the International Gymnastics Federation. The IOC also mentioned that they are currently coordinating with Romania’s National Olympic Committee about a ceremony for reallocating the medal, and discussing with USOPC (the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee) about returning the bronze medal which was previously awarded to Chile.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

After that, Barbosu took some time to ponder over her decision. She wrote on Instagram Stories on August 11th: “Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you. I understand what you’re going through because I’ve been there too. But I believe you’ll bounce back stronger. It’s my heartfelt hope that at the next Olympics, all three of us will stand on the same podium. This is my deepest dream.” She added: “This situation shouldn’t have happened if those in charge had followed the rules. We athletes are not to blame, and the hatred we receive is painful. I wish for this edition of the Paris 2024 Olympics Games to end in the spirit of Olympism, embodying the true values of the world.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

Despite allegations to the contrary, USA Gymnastics contends that a request for an inquiry on behalf of Chiles was made within the stipulated timeframe. They claim they have video evidence to support this assertion. In a statement issued on August 11th, USA Gymnastics stated that they had sent a letter and video evidence to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This evidence, they say, demonstrates clearly that Head Coach Cecile Landi’s request to file an inquiry was made 47 seconds after the score was published, well within the one-minute deadline as per FIG rules. They further requested a revision of the ruling and the reinstatement of Chiles’ bronze medal score of 13.766.

Jordan Chiles Was "Heart Is Broken" After Olympic Medal Was Stripped

After delivering the letter and video, USA Gymnastics announced that they had been informed by CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) that their rules don’t permit a reevaluation of an arbitral award, even when compelling new evidence is brought forward. In response to this news, USAG expressed deep disappointment and stated their intention to persist in exploring every available appeal option, including the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to secure fair scoring, placement, and medal distribution for Jordan.

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2024-09-11 22:18