Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles has made her first public statement since learning she must return her bronze medal from the individual floor exercise at the Paris Olympics.
In an Instagram post on August 15, Chiles expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received during the controversy. “I am overwhelmed by the love I have received,” she wrote, thanking fans and supporters as the ordeal continues.
The controversy began after Chiles initially earned a score of 13.666 in the floor finals on August 5. However, Team USA immediately filed an inquiry, contending that the judges failed to credit Chiles for a particular skill. This led to her score being adjusted to 13.766, allowing her to claim the bronze medal, ahead of Romanian gymnasts Ana Bărbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea.
In response, Romanian officials filed a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing that Team USA’s inquiry was submitted too late, outside of the required one-minute window. On August 11, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that it would reallocate the bronze medal to Romania’s Bărbosu.
While USA Gymnastics (USAG) filed an appeal on Chiles’ behalf, presenting video evidence to prove the inquiry was submitted within 47 seconds, CAS rejected the appeal. CAS cited rules that prevent reconsideration even when new evidence is introduced.
Chiles, visibly disheartened, shared in her August 15 post that she had been “shocked” by the court’s decision. “This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey,” she wrote. She also condemned racially charged attacks she has faced online since the ruling. “These unprompted racially driven attacks on social media have been extremely hurtful.”
Chiles emphasized her commitment to sportsmanship and vowed to face the challenge head-on. “I will approach this challenge as I have others — and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done,” she concluded.
On August 12, USA Gymnastics released a statement confirming that it would continue to explore all possible avenues of appeal to have Chiles’ bronze medal reinstated. USAG maintains that it submitted the initial inquiry on time and argues that critical errors occurred both in the original scoring and in the appeal process.
CAS noted that both Team USA and Romania had ample opportunities to present their cases during the arbitration process, but the court left open the possibility of revisiting the case if new evidence surfaces.
Prominent figures have also voiced support for Chiles. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) wrote a letter to CAS, criticizing the decision to strip Chiles of her medal over what he described as a procedural technicality. Meanwhile, Chiles’ teammates, including Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, have publicly expressed solidarity with her.
As the saga continues, Chiles remains steadfast, hoping that the right decision will ultimately be made.
