It is completely understandable that Jordan Chiles feels devastated after the bronze medal she earned at the 2024 Paris Olympics was taken away from her.
Initially, Chiles was placed fifth in the women’s artistic gymnastics individual floor finals. However, she was elevated to third place after Team USA coach Cecile Landi contested her score.
This moment of triumph did not last long for Chiles at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her victory was short-lived because the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the appeal had been made too late, following another dispute over her score.
As a result, Chiles’ bronze medal was taken from her and awarded to Romania’s Ana Bărbosu, who had originally received the medal before Team USA’s intervention.
This situation led to a dispute over which Olympic team, the US or Romania, would take the bronze medal.
The choice now lies between Ana-Maria Bărbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea from the Romanian team, or Jordan Chiles.
Chiles’ score was initially increased after an appeal from her coach Cecile Landi, which led to a higher difficulty rating.
However, the Romanian Olympic Committee argued that Landi’s appeal was lodged more than one minute after the score was announced, so it should not count.
The Romanian Gymnastics Federation suggested splitting the bronze medal three ways as a solution to the dispute.
But will this proposal be accepted?
Understandably, Chiles took a break from social media after her painful loss, citing her ‘mental health’ as the reason.
In her first statement since the decision, she detailed the ‘racially driven attacks’ she has faced since the ruling and called the decision to strip her medal ‘unjust.’
In an Instagram post, she said: “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. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am proud to represent my culture and country.”
She continued: “I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness.
“I have taken pride in cheering on everyone regardless of team or country. Finding joy again has been a culture shift and I love seeing others embrace it. I feel like I have given everyone permission to be authentic to who they are.”
Chiles added that she is in a difficult position in her gymnastics career right now.
She concluded her statement by saying: “I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believes me when I have I have had many. I will approach this challenge as I have others – and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”
However, she has received significant support since her medal was taken away, especially from her teammate Simone Biles, who was seen comforting her at the time of her loss.
Her Team USA teammates have been supportive, commenting encouraging words under her post: “The medal is bronze, but your heart is gold & NO ONE can take that away. We’re with you until the end.”
UCLA Gymnastics also expressed their support: “We love you, Jo, and we have your back always!”
Even Instagram itself showed support: “Always proud of you!”
Where there is a loss, a win is often not far behind.