Jordan Chiles expressed her frustration over being stripped of her Olympic bronze medal, calling the decision “unjust” in her first public comments following a court ruling that invalidated an appeal bumping her from fifth to third place at the 2024 Paris Games.
Taking to Instagram, Chiles stated that she was at a loss for words regarding the situation and described the ruling as a “significant blow” not only to herself but to all those who have supported her journey. She also mentioned facing “unprompted racially driven attacks” on social media as a result of the decision.
Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, had initially filed an appeal after her floor routine at the Olympics, believing that her score did not accurately reflect the difficulty of her performance. This appeal initially placed Chiles in third position, displacing Romanian Ana Barbosu from the podium.
However, Barbosu’s team contested the appeal, arguing that the inquiry from Team USA came in past the one-minute deadline for appeals. The Court of Arbitration for Sport sided with the Romanians, voiding Landi’s appeal and reallocating Chiles’ bronze medal to Barbosu.
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Despite efforts from USA Gymnastics to appeal the decision and present evidence showing that the inquiry was made within the rules, the Court denied their appeal, leading to Chiles losing her medal.
In her statement, Chiles expressed her disappointment but also gratitude for the outpouring of support she has received. She remains determined to fight the decision alongside her loved ones, teammates, coaches, and USA Gymnastics.
“I will face this challenge as I have others, and will work towards ensuring justice prevails,” Chiles stated. “I believe that in the end, the right decision will be made.”
