Jordan Chiles loses Olympic bronze medal after appeal ruling
Chiles' bronze medal reassigned to Romania's Ana Bǎrbosu after CAS ruling
Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles has shared her emotional experience after controversially losing a medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 23-year-old, a two-time Olympic medallist, fought back tears as she described how officials decided to reassign her podium position to Romania’s Ana Bǎrbosu, feeling as though ‘everything has been stripped from her’.
Initially, Chiles secured fifth place in the women’s artistic gymnastics individual floor finals. Following an appeal by Team USA coach Cecile Landi, her score was adjusted, moving her up to third place. Simone Biles, her teammate, claimed the silver medal, while Brazil’s Rebecca Andrade won gold.
Jordan Chiles is speaking out on being stripped of her Olympic bronze medal. pic.twitter.com/Zkk1L5y9d0
— Access Hollywood (@accesshollywood) September 13, 2024
However, Chiles’ triumph was short-lived. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later ruled that the appeal was submitted too late, resulting in her bronze medal being taken away and awarded back to Bǎrbosu, who had originally placed third.
A month after this upsetting event, Chiles attended Forbes’ Power Women’s Summit on Wednesday (September 11) and spoke about the ordeal. Fighting back tears, she said, “The biggest thing that was taken from me was the recognition of who I was. Not just my sport, but the person I am.”
She continued, “To me, everything that has gone on, it’s not about the medal. It’s about my skin colour. It’s about the fact there were things that have led up to this position of being an athlete.”
Chiles explained that the situation reminded her of past struggles, including dealing with an emotionally abusive coach in 2018, which had caused her to lose her love for the sport.
Despite the setback, Chiles still left Paris with a gold medal earned as part of a team, adding to her impressive collection, which includes another silver won alongside her US teammates. However, losing the bronze means she still hasn’t claimed an individual Olympic medal.
Reacting to the incident, Chiles expressed her feelings on Instagram, writing, “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.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- NYPost reports that Flavor Flav surprised Jordan Chiles with a bronze clock necklace, a gesture to support her after her Olympic medal controversy at the 2024 MTV VMAs.(read more)
- USA TODAY reports that Jordan Chiles, heartbroken by losing her Olympic bronze medal due to gymnastics officials’ mistakes, will continue to fight for justice and peace.(read more)
- NBC Philadelphia reports that Jordan Chiles is heartbroken after her Olympic bronze medal was stripped, attributing the decision to her coach’s late score inquiry, and she feels the ruling is racially motivated, reflecting on her past abusive coaching experience.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to Jordan Chiles’ medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Chiles’ bronze medal was stripped and given to Romania’s Ana Bărbosu after a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Why was Jordan Chiles’ medal taken away?
The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Team USA’s appeal for her score adjustment was made too late.
How did Jordan Chiles react to losing her medal?
Chiles expressed feeling stripped of recognition and connected the ordeal to past emotional abuse she experienced.
What did Jordan Chiles say about the impact of the medal controversy?
She said it wasn’t just about the medal but also about her identity and felt everything was stripped from her.
Did Jordan Chiles win any other medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics?
Yes, Jordan Chiles won a gold medal as part of the Team USA gymnastics team.
