The 2024 Paris Olympics folded, but the controversy surrounding American gymnast Jordan Chiles continues. Chiles was part of the USA gymnastics team at the event. This was her second Olympic Games, after her first in Tokyo 2020. After her final event, the floor exercise routine, Chiles was awarded a bronze medal but stripped of it. So, why was Jordan Chiles stripped of the bronze medal?
A Recap of What Happened at the Olympics
The women’s floor gymnastic exercise took place on August 5. Her competitors, Romania’s Ana Bǎrbosu and her teammate, Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, performed before her, and both received a score of 13.700.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
After her performance, Chiles was awarded an initial score of 13.666 scores, which placed her fifth, meaning she wasn’t on the podium. Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade won the country’s first gold medal in the discipline.
However, things changed when Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, inquired about her score. Afterwards, it was revised to 13.766, placing her on the podium and Simone Biles on a bronze medal, leading to an all-black podium for the first time.
People Also Read: Who Is A’Ja Wilson? The Story of the First Black Woman to Headline a Signature Basketball Shoe
You can buy trophies for different ceremonies on Amazon.
Romania Challenged the Score
Why was Jordan Chiles striped of the bronze medal? This section explains it all. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG rules) allows teams to file a challenge after the scores are awarded. The regulation states that this has to happen verbally 1 minute after the final gymnast competes.
Because of these regulations, Romania complained to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to analyse why Jordan Chiles’ score was reviewed. CAS argued that the USA’s complaint came 4 seconds after the agreed-upon 1 minute, and Chiles’ score of 13.666 should be disqualified. The judges awarded all three gymnasts a bronze medal. Both sides presented their arguments, and CAS upheld Ana Bǎrbosu’s bronze medal win.
“The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique shall determine the ranking of the Final of the women’s Floor exercise and assign the medal(s) in accordance with the above decision,” the Court of Arbitration for Sport said in a statement.
People Also Read: 10 Cricket Grounds in South Africa Die-hard Fans Can’t Stop Visiting
Get the best quality leotards at Walmart.
USA Gymnastics Response
In response to the CAS decision, USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) expressed their disappointment, stating that they filed their complaint in “good faith” to “assure accurate scoring.”
On her part, Jordan Chiles posted four broken-heart emoji on her Instagram Story and pronounced her break from social media to protect her mental health. When she commented on the controversy, she described it as “one of the most challenging moments of my career.”
Further, Chiles said: “I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow to me and everyone who has championed my journey. At the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”
Join our Spotcovery Global Black Community Facebook Group for early access to exclusive content and to share in a lively discussion.
An audio system is helpful during gymnastics exercise. Get one on BestBuy.
USA Presents Video Evidence
After CAS’ initial ruling, USA Gymnastics produced time-stamped evidence indicating that Cecile Landi put in her inquiry 47 seconds before the one-minute deadline after the scores were posted. Furthermore, it argued they didn’t have the original footage and that the CAS appeal process made “critical errors”.
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
They alleged they sent crucial communication to the wrong email, preventing them from having adequate time to prepare for the hearing.
Despite a second attempt, the appeals board turned down USA Gymnastics’ appeal. USA Gymnastics followed with another statement: “We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) revealed that after both parties are notified of the decision, they can’t reopen the case at the CAS again. Alternatively, they should approach the Swiss Federal Court to reopen the case, and if they reach an agreement, CAS will reopen the case.
People Also Read: Premier League Players 2024/25: African Football Stars to Watch
Target offers good deals on sporting equipments. Check them out here.
Ana Bǎrbosu Handed the Bronze Medal
Following the court’s decision, the International Olympic Committee reallocated the bronze medal to Romanian gymnast Ana Bǎrbosu. She expressed her happiness at this decision.
“The resolution of the case was possible thanks to the federation and the law firm that did not give up on us, the sportswomen, and fought for all of us and wanted there to be three bronze medals,” Bǎrbosu said, according to Reuters.
“I’m very happy to have this medal, and I hope to continue to represent Romania at the highest level and bring back as many medals as possible.”
People Also Read: 8 UEFA Super Cup Winners That Have Dominated Europe
To maintain your health, it’s important to eat well. Get these foods in these grocery stores on InstaCart.
In Conclusion
Why was Jordan Chiles Stripped of the Bronze Medal? We hope that this article provides all the answers. It’s common for athletes to be stripped of medals, especially when they break the laws, for example, test positive for using banned substances, but it rarely happens because of score revisions.
Do you think gymnastics should allow score revisions? Should Jordan Chiles get the bronze medal? Leave your comments below.
Nearly 80% of consumers visit directories with reviews to find a local business. List your business for free in our exclusive Spotcovery Black-Owned Business Directory.
Spotcovery offers unique and fresh daily content on Black culture, lifestyle, and experiences. We talk about everything black, black people, black-owned and black-owned businesses. We also deliver authentic and relevant content that will inform, inspire, and empower you! The future of black media is critical to today’s black experience! Our primary audience includes African Americans, Africans, Afro-Caribbean, and people of African heritage. Black culture is for the culture!
Become an insider. Subscribe to our newsletter for more top trending stories like this!
