*USA Gymnastics asserts they have video proof that Jordan Chiles‘ appeal was submitted on time and are requesting that her bronze medal be reinstated.
We reported earlier via CNN that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Sunday that the bronze medal given to Chiles in the floor exercise would be awarded to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu. It comes after a Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the initial inquiry made by the USA over Chiles’ score in last week’s gymnastics floor exercise final was filed after the one-minute deadline.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) said that Chiles’ original score of 13.666 would be reinstated, landing her in fifth place, behind Bărbosu (with a score of 13.700) and gymnast Sabrina Maneca-Voinea.
“Following the CAS decision about the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final and the amendment of the ranking by the International Gymnastics Federation, the IOC will reallocate the bronze medal to Ana Barbosu (Romania),” the IOC said in the statement.
“We are in touch with the NOC of Romania to discuss the reallocation ceremony and with USOPC regarding the return of the bronze medal.”
Scroll to continue reading
Reacting to the ruling, Bărbosu took to Instagram to post, “Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you. I know what you are feeling because I’ve been through the same. But I know you’ll come back stronger.”
“I hope from deep of my heart that at the next Olympics, all three of us will share same podium. This is my true dream,” she continued.
“This situation would not have existed if the persons in charge had respected the regulation,” Bărbosu added. “We, athletes are not to be blamed, and the hate directed to us is painful. I wanted to end this edition of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the spirit of Olympism, the true value of the world.”
The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee plans to appeal the decision.
“We firmly believe that Jordan rightfully earned the bronze medal, and there were critical errors in both the initial scoring by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the subsequent CAS appeal process that need to be addressed,” they wrote in a statement on Sunday, TooFab reports.
“The initial error occurred in the scoring by FIG, and the second error was during the CAS appeal process, where the USOPC was not given adequate time or notice to effectively challenge the decision. As a result, we were not properly represented or afforded the opportunity to present our case comprehensively,” the statement continued.
“Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to help Jordan Chiles receive the recognition she deserves,” the committee concluded. “We remain dedicated to supporting her as an Olympic champion and will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and fairly.”
Olympian Simone Biles showed support for Chiles on Instagram Saturday, writing, “Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!”
Ice skating Olympian Adam Rippon also turned to social media to react to the ruling.
“If someone called me after the official results and podium and told me that I have to give back the bronze medal. From my cold dead hands, okay? I’d be on a flight back to LAX, that thing would be in a safe, you’d never see it again,” he stated in a TikTok video.
“Call the blacksmith and have him make a new one because that’s the only way you’re gonna get a bronze medal from me. Absolutely no way,” Rippon added.
Watch Rippon’s reaction below:
@adarippCall the blacksmith not Jordan♬ original sound – Adam Rippon
READ MORE FROM EURWEB.COM: Nooooo! Jordan Chiles STRIPPED of Bronze Medal in Floor Exercise – US to Appeal | VIDEO
