Jordan Chiles broke her silence on the controversial decision to strip her of her bronze medal, posting a statement Thursday saying that the situation “feels unjust.”
“I have no words. This decisions feels unjust and comes as a significant blow not just to me but to everyone who has championed my journey,” Chiles wrote. “To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful.”
Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport, or CAS, ruled on Sunday that Chiles coach was four seconds late to request an inquiry to review her score during the 2024 Paris Olympics floor exercise final. The inquiry was accepted at the time, however, and found Chiles was underscored.
Her fixed score placed her in third, earning her the bronze medal.
But the CAS ruling reinstated that initial score and pushed her down in the standings. The International Olympic Committee announced on Sunday that it was asking for Chiles to return the medal so it could be re-allocated to Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu, who retroactively placed third in the event.
USA Gymnastics said it is fighting the ruling and noted several issues it took with the proceedings, which were requested by an appeal from Romanian officials. It said it was given too late notice of the proceedings because CAS notified the wrong American officials and was not able to properly review the case.
It also said it had time-stamped video evidence that Chiles’ coach did submit the inquiry within 47 seconds, which is in the one-minute deadline. But the court said in a statement that its rules do not allow for a reconsideration of its rulings, even in light of new evidence.
USA Gymnastics said it will continue to fight for Chiles.
Chiles thanked USA Gymnastics for their support as well as the outpouring of love and support in the wake of the news.
“I will approach this challenge as I have others _ and I will make every effort to ensure that justice is done,” Chiles wrote. “I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”
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