Jordan Chiles breaks silence on Olympic bronze medal controversy
U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles has been “overwhelmed by the love” and support she has received in the wake of the controversial saga surrounding the Olympic bronze medal she was awarded at the Paris Games earlier in the month.
In a statement shared Thursday on social media, the 23-year-old gymnast said she “will make every effort to ensure justice is done” amid a very public volley between USA Gymnastics and the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the bronze medal Chiles received for her performance in the women’s floor final, the latter ruling it belonged to Romania’s Ana Barbosu.
“While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away. I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful,” she wrote.
“I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my country.”
Chiles concluded her message stating she “will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness.”
“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career,” she posted. “Believe me when I say I had had many. I will approach this challenge as I have others — and I will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”
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