Jordan Chiles expressed her disappointment with the decision to strip her of her Olympic bronze medal, calling it “unjust” in her first public comments since a court nullified an appeal that had boosted her from fifth to third place at the 2024 Paris Games.
Taking to Instagram, Chiles stated that she is at a loss for words regarding the situation and views the ruling as a “significant setback, not just for me, but for all those who have supported my journey.” She also highlighted the unwarranted racially motivated attacks she has faced on social media since the decision.
Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, initially contested the scoring of her floor routine at the Olympics, leading to her placement in third and displacing Romanian Ana Barbosu from medal contention.
Subsequently, Barbosu’s team objected to the appeal, citing that Team USA’s on-site inquiry exceeded the one-minute deadline. The Court of Arbitration for Sport sided with the Romanians, overturning Landi’s appeal and ruling that Chiles’ bronze medal must be transferred to Barbosu.
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Despite USAG’s efforts, the Court denied USA Gymnastics’ plea for Chiles to retain the medal, despite presenting video proof that Landi had requested the inquiry within the appropriate time frame.
In her statement, Chiles expressed confidence in USAG’s appeal process and acknowledged the overwhelming support she has received following the ruling. She thanked her loved ones, teammates, coaches, and USA Gymnastics for standing by her as they continue to challenge the decision.
“While this outcome is heartbreaking, I am grateful for the outpouring of love and will persevere in seeking justice,” Chiles remarked. “I trust that in the end, fairness will prevail.”
