Jordan Chiles Risks Losing Bronze Medal Amid Olympics Controversy

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Saturday that the inquiry leading to Jordan Chiles’ score increase in the women’s floor final was improperly granted, as it was submitted past the one-minute deadline for such appeals. As a result, the court stated that Chiles should have retained her original score of 13.666, which would have placed her fifth in the event.

CAS clarified that the ruling only applies to Chiles’ score, leaving the final rankings to be determined by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG). The FIG must reassess the women’s floor exercise results and assign the medals accordingly.

Jordan Chiles won bronze in the floor exercise at the 2024 Olympics. Getty Images

USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed their disappointment in a joint statement, emphasizing that the inquiry was submitted in good faith under FIG rules to ensure accurate scoring. They also condemned the social media backlash Chiles has faced throughout the appeal process, praising her integrity and resilience.

Joint Statement from USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee regarding the CAS decision on the women’s floor final:

CAS Decision: https://t.co/KR6DYsfxEk pic.twitter.com/r1e6QKmKA4

— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 10, 2024

The Romanian Gymnastics Federation was instrumental in the CAS ruling, having filed multiple appeals after Chiles’ adjusted score bumped their gymnasts, Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Voinea, down in the standings. Romanian officials, including gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci and Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, criticized the original decision to award Chiles the bronze medal. Ciolacu even skipped the closing ceremony in protest.

Jordan Chiles of Team United States in action Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Floor Exercise Final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the Bercy Arena on August 5, 2024 in Paris, France. Getty Images

Comaneci, who famously scored a perfect ten at the 1976 Olympics, voiced her frustration on social media, lamenting the emotional toll on athletes. Barbosa initially believed she had secured the bronze but had to relinquish her celebration after the retraction of Chiles’ deduction.

Silver medalist Simone Biles of Team United States, Gold medalist Rebeca Andrade of Team Brazil and Bronze medalist Jordan Chiles of Team United States celebrate after the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Floor Exercise Final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at the Bercy Arena on August 5, 2024. Getty Images

Chiles, who had already secured a gold medal in the team all-around final, was unaware that her coaches had submitted the inquiry. The CAS ruling now leaves the outcome of the floor event in question, and it is unclear what steps USA Gymnastics or the USOPC will take next. Following the decision, Chiles shared broken heart emojis on her Instagram story, possibly referencing the ruling or the criticism she has endured.