Jordan Chiles speaks out for the first time since losing Olympic bronze medal | Global Update
Jordan Chiles has expressed her “devastation” after losing her bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The US gymnast originally placed fifth in the floor routine on 5 August at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but moved up to third following an appeal.
However, a subsequent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) led to her being downgraded again due to the late submission of the appeal.
In her first statement since the decision, Chiles criticized the ruling as “unjust” and called out “racially driven attacks” against her on social media.
“I am at a loss for words,” she said. “This decision feels unfair and is a significant setback, not just for me, but for all those who have supported me on this journey.”
Chiles also expressed her pride in representing her culture and country through her dedication to the sport.
She thanked her supporters, as well as USA Gymnastics and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who have pledged to appeal the decision to strip her of the bronze medal.
Initially finishing fifth, Chiles was later moved to third place after a difficulty score contestation by Cecile Landi, a Team USA coach.
This adjustment increased Chiles’s score from 13.666 to 13.766, securing the bronze over Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, who also lodged an appeal after leaving the arena in tears.
Simone Biles, another American gymnast, took second place in the women’s artistic gymnastics individual floor finals, while Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade claimed the gold.
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On 10 August, CAS determined that Landi’s inquiry into Chiles’s difficulty score was filed four seconds beyond the deadline.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced it would abide by the court’s decision and award Barbosu the bronze medal.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the ruling on Sunday, requiring Chiles to return the medal.
USA Gymnastics expressed their disappointment with the CAS verdict and presented “conclusive new evidence” that an inquiry was initiated 13 seconds before the deadline.
If Team USA decides to appeal further, the case could proceed to Switzerland’s highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.
