Rusty Weiss
United States gymnast Jordan Chiles slammed the decision that stripped her of a bronze medal in the floor routine at the Paris Olympics, calling it “unjust” and “devastating.”
If you’re unaware of the controversy, it’s a bit convoluted. Chiles was initially awarded the bronze, but it was later contested due to an appeal from her coach. That appeal was later determined to have been filed four seconds after the one-minute deadline allowed by gymnastics rules.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled in favor of the appeal’s disqualification, leading to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) deciding to reallocate the bronze medal to Romania’s Ana Bărbosu.
Essentially Bărbosu won the bronze. Then Chiles won the bronze. Then Bărbosu won the bronze. A cluster mess by any measure.
Chiles issued her first statement on the matter Thursday.
“While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away,” she wrote on social media. “I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful.”
“I have no words,” Chiles continued. “This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.”
RELATED: Jordan Chiles’ Appeal Over Being Stripped Of Bronze Medal in Summer Olympics Denied
Jordan Chiles Slams ‘Racially Driven Attacks’
According to Jordan Chiles, the controversy has been made worse by alleged racist comments thrown her way.
She addressed the online hatred in her statement.
“To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful,” Chiles writes. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”
“I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness.”
Support for Chiles online has been overwhelming and positive.
She’s Going To Overcome This
With all of this said, the controversy isn’t just disappointing for Chiles, but also for Bărbosu, who initially celebrated her bronze, then had to run off the floor crying when they took it away.
As for injecting race into the matter, let’s remember that it was the media who ran with the “all-black podium” narrative that was initially made possible by stripping the Romanian gymnast of the bronze. That’s what turned it into a black-white issue.
Through it all, Chiles remains steadfast and vows to persevere.
“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career,” she contends. “I will approach this challenge as I have others—and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done.”
Childs said, “I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”
Or, ya know, come back and win gold in 2028.
USA Gymnastics vowed earlier this week to fight for Jordan Chiles. They will “continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.”
The CAS has repeatedly stated that its decision is final.