Jordan Chiles says he is “heartbroken” by the decision to strip him of his Olympic bronze medal and has been subjected to racially motivated abuse on social media.
The American gymnast was initially awarded bronze on the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics after an appeal over how the judges scored her routine was upheld and she moved from fifth to third. However, the Romanian Olympic Committee said the appeal was lodged four seconds after the one-minute time limit. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) overruled Chiles’ appeal and ordered the IOC to return the medal to the American. Romania’s Ana Barbosu moved up to third, while Chiles dropped to fifth. The Romans had asked for bronze for both gymnasts.
Chiles took to social media after the decision, but returned Thursday to explain the impact the situation had on him.
“I have no words. These decisions feel unfair and a significant blow not only to me, but to everyone who has succeeded in my journey,” Chiles wrote. “To add to the heartache, the unprovoked racist attacks on social media are wrong and deeply hurtful.”
USA Gymnastics submitted evidence that showed Chiles’ appeal was within the deadline. But Goss rejected the appeal and said the decision could not be overturned even if “compelling new evidence is presented”.
Chiles said he will continue to fight for his bronze medal. She also won gold in the team event with her American teammates.
“I will approach this challenge like anyone else — and I will make every effort to ensure that justice is done,” Chiles wrote. “At the end of this journey, I’m sure the people in control will do the right thing.”
USA Gymnastics may take the case to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, which can hear appeals against Gauss decisions, although the tribunal rarely overrules such decisions. It has also been revealed that Dr. Hamid G. Garavi, the chairman of the Cass Committee on the Chiles case, has done legal work for the Romanian government. Kass told the New York Times Garavi disclosed his work with the Romanian government and was not contested by any of the parties in the Chilean investigation.
Former Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci said the saga had an impact on all the gymnasts involved.
“I can’t believe we’re playing with athletes with mental health and emotions … let’s protect them,” Camanesi posted on X last week.
