PARIS (AP) — U.S. Olympic officials are contesting a court ruling that has compelled American gymnast Jordan Chiles to return the bronze medal she earned in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) nullified an on-floor appeal by Chiles’ coach, which had elevated her to third place, citing that the appeal was submitted four seconds past the one-minute time limit for scoring inquiries.
USA Gymnastics disputed this timing in a statement on Sunday, providing video evidence to CAS that showed coach Cecile Landi initiated the appeal 13 seconds before the deadline. The evidence indicated that Landi first approached the inquiry table 47 seconds after the score was posted and made a second statement 55 seconds after the initial score.
The controversy over such precise details suggests a prolonged legal battle concerning the gymnastics scores could ensue. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced on Saturday night that it would honor the court’s decision and elevate Ana Barbosu of Romania to third place. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the ruling on Sunday, noting that it would reallocate the medal from Monday’s final.
In a statement, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed their conviction that Jordan deserved the bronze medal, citing errors in both the initial scoring by FIG and the subsequent CAS appeal process. CAS ruled on Saturday that Landi’s inquiry, which sought to add 0.1 to Chiles’ score, was made 1 minute and 4 seconds after Chiles’ initial score was posted.
The IOC said it would liaise with the USOPC regarding the return of Chiles’ bronze medal and work with the Romanian Olympic Committee to arrange a reallocation ceremony honoring Barbosu.
The dispute has added significant strain on the involved athletes. Romanian gymnastics icon and 1976 Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci expressed concern for Barbosu’s mental health following her emotional rollercoaster, from being a bronze medalist to demoted to fourth place.
Chiles herself hinted at the decision’s impact in an Instagram story, revealing she felt heartbroken and would take a break from social media for her mental well-being. Teammates, including Simone Biles, have rallied around her, offering messages of love and support.
Barbosu, who had initially celebrated winning bronze via a tiebreaker after achieving a matching score with fellow Romanian Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, stated she bore no ill will toward Chiles. She emphasized the need for fairness and the importance of athletes being judged on their performances, not affected by judging errors.
Gina Chiles, Jordan’s mother, defended her daughter against derogatory remarks, highlighting Jordan’s sportsmanship and dedication.
The uncertainty casts a shadow over what had been a poignant moment on the medal podium, where Chiles and Biles knelt to honor Brazilian star Rebeca Andrade, who secured her fourth medal in Paris.
