Jordan Chiles ordered to return Olympic bronze medal after USA Gymnastics appeal fails

The Team USA gymnast received the bronze medal after her coach challenged her score

Gymnast Jordan Chiles has been ordered to return her Olympic bronze medal following a failed appeal.

The Team USA star was awarded the medal following her floor exercise routine in Paris, which initially earned her a score of 13.666 and landed her in fifth place.

However, after USA Gymnastics Coach Cecile Landi raised an inquiry over Chiles’ difficulty score, Chiles received another 0.1 of a point.

It was only a small change, but it was enough to push her past Romania’s Ana Bǎrbosu and USA’s Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who were tied, into third place.

Jordan Chiles received an Olympic bronze medal after the inquiry. (Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Jordan Chiles received an Olympic bronze medal after the inquiry. (Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Bǎrbosu therefore lost the medal and Chiles was awarded it, but her success was thrown into contention when Romania challenged the score, arguing the USA Gymnastics inquiry came after the one-minute deadline coaches have to raise an inquiry.

When the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Team Romania’s challenge, Chiles and USA Gymnastics were left trying to appeal the decision in a final bid to hold on to her medal.

CAS initially said it had determined the inquiry about Chiles’ score ‘was raised after the conclusion of the one-minute deadline… and is determined to be without effect’, though the US argued it had video evidence to prove otherwise.

Unfortunately for Chiles, US Olympic officials announced on Monday (August 12) that CAS had declined to reconsider its decision.

Chiles has indicated she was heartbroken after the decision. (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

Chiles has indicated she was heartbroken after the decision. (Naomi Baker/Getty Images)

In a statement, USA Gymnastics said: “USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented.

“We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”

Romania initially suggested Bǎrbosu, Maneca-Voinea, and Chiles should all be placed in third position and each be given a medal.

However, the International Olympic Committee has ordered Chiles to return the bronze medal so it can be reallocated to Bǎrbosu, who has been promoted into third place.

Chiles has been stripped of her bronze medal. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Chiles has been stripped of her bronze medal. (Elsa/Getty Images)

Chiles announced a decision to take a step out of the spotlight in the wake of the controversy, saying she is ‘taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health’.

Simone Biles, who won silver in the competition, showed support for her teammate on Instagram, writing: “Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up ‘Olympic champ’ we love you.”

Bărbosu has also spoken out, penning a heartfelt message to Chiles on Instagram, saying: “I know what you are feeling, because I’ve been through the same. But I know you’ll come back stronger.

“I hope from deep of my heart that at the next Olympics, all three of us will share same podium. This is my true dream.”

Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade took gold in the event.

Related Posts

New images of astronauts stuck in space show disturbing details

Two astronauts are living an epic sci-fi nightmare since their eight-day space odyssey turned into a months-long stay at the International Space Station. Now, after seeing images that…

Parents of 10-year-old boy who died by suicide after ‘intense bullying’ sue school district

Sammy Teusch died in May this year The parents of a ten-year-old boy who died by suicide after ‘intense bullying’ are suing the school district. Samuel Teusch…

Scientists share exactly where ‘Jesus was born’ as they claim it’s unlikely it was in Bethlehem

There’s a problem with the Bethlehem theory Scientists and archaeologists have revealed where Jesus was born – and they say it’s unlikely it was Bethlehem. With Christmas eve and…

People divided after passenger was forced to give up first class plane seat for a dog

The dog traveled in style… Much of the internet has been left divided after a passenger was forced to give up their first class seat for a…

Tesla recalls a staggering 700,000 vehicles over concerning fault that ‘increases risk of crashing’

Elon Musk’s electric vehicle company has noticed a potentially deadly flaw in three models Tesla has recalled nearly 700,000 cars after a potentially dangerous fault was discovered….

Justin Baldoni dropped by talent agency after Blake Lively sues for sexual harassment and alleged campaign to ‘destroy her reputation’

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively starred alongside each other in the 2024 flick It Ends With Us Justin Baldoni has been let go by his talent agency…

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *