Jordan Chiles says she has been left “heartbroken” by the decision to strip her of her Olympic bronze medal and has been subjected to racially motivated attacks on social media.
The American gymnast was initially awarded bronze on the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics after an appeal against the judges’ scoring of her routine was upheld and she was promoted from fifth to third place. However, the Romanian Olympic Committee said the appeal was filed four seconds after the one-minute time limit. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) subsequently overturned Chiles’ appeal and the IOC ordered the American to return her medal. Romania’s Ana Barbosu was promoted to third place, while Chiles dropped to fifth. The Romanians had requested that both gymnasts be awarded bronze.
Chiles left social media after the decision, but returned on Thursday to explain how the situation impacted her.
“I am at a loss for words. This decision feels unjust and is a huge blow not only to me but to everyone who has supported my journey,” Chiles wrote. “To add to the sadness, the uncalled for racist attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful.”
USA Gymnastics presented evidence that it said showed Chiles’ appeal was filed within the time limit. But Cas denied the appeal, saying the decision cannot be changed “even if compelling new evidence is presented.”
Chiles said she would continue to fight for her bronze medal. She also won gold in the team event with her U.S. teammates.
“I will take on this challenge as I have taken on others — and I will do everything in my power to ensure that justice is done,” Chiles wrote. “I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in power will do the right thing.”
USA Gymnastics could take the case to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, which can hear appeals of CAS decisions, though the tribunal rarely overturns such decisions.
Former Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci said the saga had taken a heavy toll on all the gymnasts involved.
“I can’t believe we’re playing with the mental health and emotions of athletes like this… Let’s protect them,” Comaneci posted on X last week.