U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles broke her silence about the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s denial of an appeal on Monday – a ruling that effectively stripped her of a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In a statement posted to social media on Thursday, Chiles wrote that the decision ‘feels unjust’ and that she has been the victim of ‘racially driven attacks’ on social media.
‘I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, USAG, and the USOPC for their unwavering support during this difficult time,’ she said. ‘While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away. I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful.
‘I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful,’ she added. ‘I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.’
Chiles said she has been confronted with one of the most challenging moments of her career and will attempt ‘every effort to ensure justice is done.’
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‘I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing,’ she said.
Chiles won the bronze medal in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics after her coaches submitted an inquiry to the judges over her score.
There currently are no plans for Chiles to give the bronze medal back as U.S. officials say they plan to appeal what the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee said were “significant procedural errors” by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in overturning the higher score. CAS said it could not re-open the case despite the U.S. officials stating conclusive video evidence showed Chiles in fact did deserve the bronze medal.
Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu finished fourth in the floor exercise but the eventual ruling was that she should be awarded bronze. The International Olympic Committee said Thursday morning that Romania can award Barbosu a bronze medal, something Romanian officials said they will do in a medal ceremony on Friday.
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