Jordan Chiles Loses Olympic Bronze Medal Due to Judging Error

American gymnast Jordan Chiles has lost her Olympic bronze medal in the women's floor exercise final following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The court determined that the inquiry that led to the increase of Chiles' score, ultimately granting her the third-place finish, was submitted past the one-minute deadline and therefore invalid.

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Jordan Chiles Loses Olympic Bronze Medal Due to Judging Error

The decision to strip Chiles of her medal has sparked outrage and disappointment among her supporters, including her teammates. The incident has also highlighted the complexities of the judging system in gymnastics and the potential for errors to significantly affect the outcome of competitions.

Following the initial result, which saw Romania's Ana Barbosu awarded the bronze medal, U.S. coaches appealed Chiles' score. Upon review, the judges granted a 0.1-point increase, propelling Chiles into third place.

Jordan Chiles Loses Olympic Bronze Medal Due to Judging Error

However, CAS ruled that the appeal should not have been granted as it exceeded the one-minute deadline for inquiries. Consequently, Chiles' score was adjusted to 13.666, which would have placed her fifth in the final standings.

The ruling has devastated Chiles and her team. USA Gymnastics and USOPCE issued a statement expressing their "devastation" and condemning the relentless and hurtful attacks Chiles has faced on social media.

Jordan Chiles Loses Olympic Bronze Medal Due to Judging Error

Chiles' teammate Suni Lee took to Instagram to criticize the judges responsible for the erroneous decision, calling it "completely unacceptable." She added that she fully supports Chiles and believes she will always be an Olympic champion regardless of the medal count.

Chiles' bronze medal initially made history as it marked the first Olympic gymnastics podium with three Black medalists. The podium featured Simone Biles, Rebecca Andrade, and Chiles, representing a significant moment of representation and diversity in the sport.

Jordan Chiles Loses Olympic Bronze Medal Due to Judging Error

However, the subsequent ruling has cast a shadow over this achievement, leaving a bitter taste for many who celebrate the diversity and inclusivity that the podium represented.

The incident has raised concerns about the reliability and consistency of the judging system in gymnastics. The deadline for inquiries and the process for reviewing scores have come under scrutiny, with some arguing for stricter guidelines and more transparent decision-making.

The incident has also highlighted the need for judges to be held accountable for their decisions and to ensure that their actions are in line with the rules and regulations of the sport.

Barbosu, who initially celebrated winning the bronze medal, was visibly distraught when she realized the scoring change on the board. She dropped her Romanian flag, covered her face, and walked away in tears.

The disappointment and heartbreak experienced by Barbosu underscore the profound impact that judging decisions can have on athletes' lives and their Olympic dreams.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) will determine who will receive the bronze medal following the CAS ruling. The Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee has already announced its intention to appeal the decision.

It remains to be seen whether the FIG will uphold the CAS ruling or order a re-evaluation of the scores. The outcome of the appeal will have significant consequences for both Chiles and Barbosu, as well as for the legacy of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.