Jordan Chiles’ battle for her bronze medal just took another twist. USA Gymnastics (USAG) and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) are contesting the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision, claiming key information was misdirected.
Despite CAS awarding the bronze for the individual floor routine to Romania’s Ana Barbosu, USAG isn’t backing down. They argue that delays in communication hampered their ability to protest the decision effectively. ‘USA Gymnastics did not become aware of the case until August 9,’ read USAG’s August 14 statement.
The statement continued, alleging that CAS sent case filings to incorrect email addresses. As a result, according to USAG, they missed the deadline to submit objections and had less than 24 hours before the hearing. Additionally, USAG has yet to receive disclosures about potential conflicts of interest involving the panelists.
The USOPC echoed these concerns in a CNN statement, noting that the delay deprived them of adequate time to gather necessary evidence or respond meaningfully. The controversy began when Jordan was stripped of her bronze medal after CAS ruled that her coach submitted an inquiry four seconds too late, despite USAG presenting time-stamped video evidence to the contrary.
On August 12, USAG posted on X (formerly Twitter) that CAS’s own rules prevented reconsideration of the arbitral award, even with new evidence. The organisation remains committed to seeking justice for Jordan through further appeals, potentially up to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.
Jordan initially won her bronze after a review of her score, credited for a leap in her Beyoncé-inspired routine. She burst into tears when her revised score was announced, but this victory was short-lived as Barbosu was reinstated following a Romanian Federation appeal.
Barbosu expressed her frustration on Instagram, acknowledging the support and announcing a break from social media. Meanwhile, Chiles shared her emotional reaction on Good Morning America, praising both herself and her Romanian rival.
However, the dispute didn’t end there. The Romanian Federation of Gymnastics continued to file appeals, supported by the Romanian Prime Minister, who condemned the treatment of Romanian athletes and boycotted the Olympic Closing Ceremony.
The online backlash also took an ugly turn, with Jordan’s mother decrying ‘racist disgusting comments’ directed at her daughter. Despite the negativity, Jordan received unwavering support from fellow gymnasts like Simone Biles and Jade Carey.
Ultimately, CAS’s decision stood, and Chiles’ medal had to be returned. The International Olympic Committee began discussions on reallocating the bronze medal to Barbosu. Reflecting on the ordeal, Barbosu expressed her hope for a shared podium at the next Olympics and stressed the importance of respecting the regulations.
USAG remains adamant that their evidence proves the inquiry was submitted within the required timeframe. However, CAS regulations seem inflexible. As the dust settles, both athletes and officials are left to reflect on a controversy that has shaken the gymnastics world.
The saga surrounding Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal continues to unfold, with USAG and USOPC striving for what they believe is a just resolution. As both sides present their cases, the gymnastics community watches closely, hoping for clarity and fairness in the sport.
