American gymnast Jordan Chiles will have to return the bronze medal she won in the women’s floor exercise at the Paris Olympics following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Saturday.
The court invalidated an appeal filed by Chiles’ coach, which had initially moved her from fifth to third place.
On Sunday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed that the final bronze medal from last Monday’s floor exercise would be reallocated to Romanian Ana Barbosu. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced it would comply with the court’s decision, promoting Barbosu to third place.
CAS’s decision came less than 24 hours after it ruled that Team USA coach Cecile Landi’s appeal for an additional 0.1 points on Chiles’ score was submitted outside the allowed one-minute window. The ad hoc committee noted that the appeal was made 1 minute and 4 seconds after Chiles’ initial score was posted.
In a statement, the IOC said it would coordinate with the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee to facilitate the return of Chiles’ medal and with the Romanian Olympic Committee to arrange a reallocation ceremony for Barbosu. The IOC confirmed it would respect FIG’s decision and ensure the adjustment of the final rankings, which will now see Barbosu in third place, Romanian Sabrina Maneca-Voinea in fourth, and Chiles in fifth.
The FIG stated that the IOC had the authority to decide on the reallocation of the medal and confirmed it would support the decision to have Chiles return her bronze.
Romanian gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci expressed concern for Barbosu’s mental health, criticizing the decision’s impact and calling for better protection of athletes’ well-being. Comaneci also questioned the judging of Maneca-Voinea’s performance, who was penalized 0.1 points for stepping out of bounds despite video evidence suggesting she remained within the area.
Chiles addressed the situation in an Instagram story, indicating her heartbreak and announcing a break from social media for her mental health. Her sister, Jazmin Chiles, defended her performance, stating that the medal was stripped not due to Jordan’s skill but because of errors in judging.
US teammates, including Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, publicly supported Chiles. Biles offered encouragement, while Lee criticized the judges’ decisions, expressing dismay over the situation.
USA Gymnastics issued a statement expressing its devastation over the ruling, affirming that the appeal was made in good faith and following FIG rules.
Barbosu, who initially celebrated her presumed bronze, emphasized the need for fairness in the sport and placed the responsibility for the issues with the judging process rather than with fellow athletes.
Chiles’ mother, Gina Chiles, criticized the negative comments directed at her daughter, highlighting Jordan’s sportsmanship and dedication.
The controversy has cast a shadow over Chiles’ Olympic experience, even as she and Biles shared a poignant moment honouring Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade, which was widely celebrated and even suggested for display alongside the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.
