Jordan Chiles is at risk of losing her Olympic bronze medal following a controversial appeal that has sparked widespread debate.
Story Summary:
- Jordan Chiles is at risk of losing her Olympic bronze medal due to an appeal by the Romanian Gymnastics Federation.
- The appeal challenges the decision to upgrade Chiles’ score after an inquiry by her coach.
- The controversy has sparked strong reactions, with Chiles’ supporters condemning the decision as unfair and racially motivated.
- The appeal could also affect the historic all-Black Olympic gymnastics podium, which included Simone Biles and Rebeca Andrade.
Jordan Chiles stands to lose Olympic bronze medal
Chiles, who recently secured a bronze medal in the individual floor exercise at the 2024 Paris Olympics, now faces the possibility of losing her medal due to a controversial appeal filed by the Romanian Gymnastics Federation.
The appeal, which challenges the decision to upgrade Chiles’ score after an inquiry by her coach Cecile Landi, has led to an uproar in Romania, where the outcome directly impacted athletes Ana Maria Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea.
The Romanian Gymnastics Federation submitted a request to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) seeking to overturn the upgraded score, arguing that it unfairly affected their athletes.
In response, Romanian officials, including Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, have vowed to honour Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea as Olympic medalists, regardless of the final decision.
The controversy has sparked intense reactions from Chiles’ supporters.
Her sister, Jazmin Chiles, took to social media to express her dismay, calling the situation an example of systemic racism.
“Please keep Jordan (and my family) in your prayers. Racism is real, it exists, it is alive and well,” Jazmin said.
She criticised the decision, stating that Jordan’s medal was stripped over a minor technicality.
Chiles’ teammates, including Suni Lee and Simone Biles, have also voiced their support for her.
Lee condemned the decision, calling it “completely unacceptable” and expressing her solidarity with Chiles.
Biles, who is close friends with Chiles, recently highlighted their bond in an Instagram post titled “Red, white, Biles and Chiles.”
The appeal not only jeopardises Chiles’ bronze medal but also impacts the historic significance of the all-Black Olympic gymnastics podium, which saw Biles win silver and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade take gold.
Barbosu, who would be elevated to the bronze medal position if the appeal is successful, emphasised the importance of fair competition, stating:
“We as athletes only want to perform as well as we can and be rewarded for our results.”
