USA Gymnastics Defends Jordan Chiles Amid Controversy Over Bronze Medal

USA Gymnastics is challenging the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) decision to strip Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal from the Paris Games. The organization claims it has solid evidence, including time-stamped video footage, proving that the inquiry into Chiles' score was filed within the required time frame.

USA Gymnastics announced on Sunday that it had submitted a formal letter and video evidence to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The organization argued that Head Coach Cecile Landi submitted the inquiry just 47 seconds after the score was published, within the 60-second deadline set by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) rules. The letter urged that the decision to strip Chiles of her medal be reconsidered and her original score of 13.766 reinstated.

Key Developments:

• Controversy Over Scoring: Jordan Chiles initially placed fifth with a score of 13.666 in the women’s floor exercise final. Her coach, Cecile Landi, disputed the judges' assessment of the routine's difficulty, leading to a revised score of 13.766, which moved Chiles into third place ahead of Romanian gymnasts Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea.

• Romanian Appeal: Romania’s Olympic committee challenged the score adjustment, alleging that the American team's inquiry was not filed within the required 60-second window. Consequently, the IOC stripped Chiles of her medal, awarding it to Barbosu.

• USA Gymnastics’ Evidence: USA Gymnastics claims it has "time-stamped, video evidence" showing Landi filing the inquiry within the deadline. The evidence was not available before the tribunal's decision, preventing its earlier submission. The video allegedly shows Landi making her inquiry request 47 seconds after the score was posted, followed by a second statement at 55 seconds.

The IOC's decision has sparked outrage on social media, with many critics decrying the ruling as unfair and potentially racist. The controversy has overshadowed what should have been a celebration of athletic achievement and highlighted ongoing debates about the transparency and fairness of judging in gymnastics.

Jordan Chiles has largely remained silent amid the controversy, opting to step back from social media for her mental health. She had shared an Instagram story with broken heart emojis following the decision, indicating her disappointment and emotional turmoil.

As USA Gymnastics continues to fight for the reinstatement of Chiles’ medal, the situation underscores the complexities and pressures athletes face at the highest levels of competition. For further updates on this evolving story, consider sharing this article or subscribing to our newsletter.