Jordan Chiles reacts to bronze medal controversy, steps away from social media
As Jordan Chiles waits to find out if she can keep her bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics floor exercise, she is stepping away from social media. She reacted to the controversy Saturday afternoon and announced she was unplugging to prioritize her mental health.
Chiles initially finished fifth in the floor exercise in Paris, but an inquiry bumped her score up to third place and a bronze medal finish. The decision generated plenty of discussion, and a court in Switzerland ruled the inquiry came past the one-minute deadline to do so and shouldn’t count as a result.
As for when a resolution could come, the International Gymnastics Federation said the International Olympic Committee will decide whether Chiles will keep her bronze medal. That move came down Saturday afternoon.
Chiles’ routine first appeared to put her in fifth behind two gymnasts tied for third with a score of 13.7. However, Team USA used an inquiry to double-check the UCLA star’s score, resulting in a boost to 13.766, taking her to third. Chiles won the bronze medal after taking home a gold in the women’s team finals.
However, on Saturday, the Court of Arbitration ruled the judging panel improperly granted the inquiry, and a court in Switzerland ruled the appeal came in past the deadline. As a result, the judges shouldn’t have granted it, the court argued, and she might have to return the medal as a result.
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In a statement, USA Gymnastics said the inquiry was filed in good faith. It also said Chiles has faced attacks on social media as a result of the situation.
“We are devastated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling regarding women’s floor exercise,” the statement read. “The inquiry into the Difficulty Value of Jordan Chiles’ floor exercise routine was filed in good faith and, we believed, in accordance with FIG rules to ensure accurate scoring.
“Throughout the appeal process, Jordan has been subject to consistent, utterly baseless and extremely hurtful attacks on social media. No athlete should be subject to such treatment. We condemn the attacks and those who engage, support or instigate them. We commend Jordan for conducting herself with integrity both on and off the competition floor, and we continue to stand by and support her.”
As part of the fallout from the decision, Romanian prime minister Marcel Ciolacu said he plans to boycott Sunday’s closing ceremonies. Ana Barbosu was the gymnast who initially finished third and would’ve won the bronze medal before the inquiry moved Chiles into that spot.