Here’s why gymnast Jordan Chiles is being stripped of her bronze medal amid Olympics drama

Team USA is currently trying to appeal the decision which has left Jordan ‘heartbroken’

4 months ago

Gymnast Jordan Chiles has been right in the centre of some major Olympic drama this week after she was forced to return her bronze medal following an overruling.

But what exactly happened that meant she had to return the medal, and what could potentially be happening going forward? Let’s find out!

Jordan initially won bronze in the Women’s Individual Floor Exercise

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A post shared by Jordan Chiles (@jordanchiles)

Jordan initially scored 13.666, meaning her Romanian opponent Ana Bărbosu would have won the bronze medal. However, after US gymnastics coach Cecile Landi challenged the difficulty score Jordan’s score was increased to 13.766, landing her the bronze.

Whilst Jordan and the US team were all thrilled, the Romanian team and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu thought it was a “scandalous situation” where Ana was treated “dishonourably.”

In a statement to Facebook, he wrote: “I decided not to attend the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, following the scandalous situation in the gymnastics, where our athletes were treated in an absolutely dishonourable manner. To withdraw a medal earned for honest work on the basis of an appeal, which neither the coaches nor the top technicians understand, is totally unacceptable!”

Jordan Chiles was understandably still thrilled with her bronze medal and told CBS Mornings: “There were so many emotions going through my body in that moment… It was a surreal moment … I saw the score change and I was just like ‘What is going on? Is this real? Is this happening?’ I was just, again, in that moment just very happy and obviously happy for the other athletes as well.”

However, the Court of Arbitration said Team USA’s appeal came four seconds too late

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Following the awards ceremony, Team Romania questioned Team USA’s appeal on the grounds that it apparently came too late, with the Court of Arbitration ruling that the appeal Team USA made was filed “beyond the one minute deadline.” The appeal was made just four seconds past the one minute deadline.

Following this decision, Team USA released a statement, saying: “We are devastated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling regarding women’s floor exercise. The inquiry into the Difficulty Value of Jordan Chiles’ floor exercise routine was filed in good faith and, we believed, in accordance with FIG rules to ensure accurate scoring.

“Throughout the appeal process, Jordan has been subject to consistent, utterly baseless and extremely hurtful attacks on social media. No athlete should be subject to such treatment. We condemn the attacks and those who engage, support, or instigate them. We commend Jordan for conducting herself with integrity both on and off the competition floor, and we continue to stand by and support her.”

The International Olympic Committee agreed with the ruling

In a statement on Sunday 11 August, the International Olympic Committee announced it would stand by the Court of Arbitration’s ruling.

It said: “Following the CAS decision with regard to the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final and the amendment of the ranking by the International Gymnastics Federation, the IOC will reallocate the bronze medal to Ana Bărbosu (Romania). We are in touch with the NOC of Romania to discuss the reallocation ceremony and with USOPC regarding the return of the bronze medal.”

Following both statements Team USA announced its plans to appeal the verdict

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The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee announced another statement on Sunday, saying: “We firmly believe that Jordan rightfully earned the bronze medal, and there were critical errors in both the initial scoring by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the subsequent CAS appeal process that need to be addressed.

“Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to help Jordan Chiles receive the recognition she deserves. We remain dedicated to supporting her as an Olympic champion and will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and fairly.”

Amid the drama Jordan is taking a break from her Instagram

Whilst in the midst of all the drama surrounding her bronze medal, Jordan Chiles announced she would be taking a break from social media for her mental health.

Jordan Chiles’ statement on her IG story as she awaits her medal ruling 💔

(via @ChilesJordan) pic.twitter.com/Fj3yTMKOFO

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 10, 2024

Teammate Simone Biles also posted to her Instagram story in support of Jordan, writing: “Sending you so much love Jordan, keep your chin up Olympic champ – we love you!”

Via Instagram

Jordan’s sister also released a statement on Instagram, condemning the judges for not doing their job properly. She wrote: “Please keep Jordan (and my family) in your prayers. Racism is real, it exists, it is alive and well. They have officially, five days later, stripped her of one of her medals.

“Not because she didn’t win, not because she was drugged, mot because she stepped out of bounds. Not because she wasn’t good enough. But because the judges failed to give her difficulty and forced an enquiry to be made.

“FOUR SECONDS. Her bronze was stripped over four seconds of time that would have never needed to happen if the judges did their job. I love you baby sis. And I got yo back no matter what.”

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