U.S. Olympic Officials to Appeal Court Ruling on Jordan Chiles’ Bronze Medal in Paris Olympics

U.S. Olympic officials are gearing up for a battle after American gymnast Jordan Chiles was asked to return the bronze medal she won in the Paris Olympics floor exercise. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) voided an on-floor appeal by Chiles’ coach, which had initially vaulted her to third place, citing a time limit violation.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) announced that Romanian Ana Barbosu would be elevated to third place instead. The decision was confirmed by the International Olympic Committee, sparking outrage from the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who believe Chiles rightfully earned the bronze medal.

CAS ruled that the appeal to add 0.1 to Chiles’ score came outside the 1-minute window allowed by FIG, leading to the decision to strip her of the medal. The USOPC plans to appeal the ruling, with potential avenues including Switzerland’s highest court or the European Court of Human Rights.

The turn of events has left all three athletes involved in a state of emotional turmoil. Romanian gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci expressed concern for Barbosu’s mental health, while Chiles hinted at her heartbreak on social media. U.S. teammates and gymnastics stars Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee have shown support for Chiles amidst the controversy.

The situation has cast a shadow over what was initially a beautiful moment on the medal stand, where Chiles and Biles knelt to honor gold medalist Rebeca Andrade. The uncertainty surrounding the medal reallocation has added a complicated and emotional postscript to an already tumultuous Olympic journey for these athletes.