The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has decided to strip Jordan Chiles of the bronze medal she won in the floor exercise, citing a technicality regarding her coach’s appeal timing.
The Initial Victory and Subsequent Controversy
Last Monday, Jordan Chiles initially finished fifth in the women’s floor exercise final with a score of 13.666. However, U.S. coach Cecile Landi successfully lobbied judges to raise Chiles’s difficulty score, arguing it had been undercredited. This adjustment increased her score to 13.766, elevating her to third place, above two Romanian athletes. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu expressed dissatisfaction with the decision, even refusing to attend the Olympic closing ceremony in protest.
The IOC’s Reversal Decision
The IOC’s decision came nearly a week later, following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The CAS determined that Landi’s protest was made 64 seconds after scores were posted, exceeding the one-minute deadline for lodging such objections. The IOC stated, “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 Bărbosu (Romania).” The committee also mentioned ongoing discussions with the Romanian NOC and the USOPC regarding the medal’s reallocation and return.
Response from the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) intended 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 and the subsequent CAS appeal process that need to be addressed,” the committee said. The USOPC is committed to helping Chiles receive the recognition she deserves and will work diligently to resolve the matter.
USA Gymnastics’ Stand
USA Gymnastics responded by submitting a formal letter and video evidence to the CAS, asserting that head coach Cecile Landi’s request was submitted 47 seconds after the score was published, within the one-minute deadline. The federation expects Chiles’s bronze medal to be reinstated. “We remain dedicated to supporting her as an Olympic champion and will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and fairly,” the USOPC emphasized.
The situation surrounding Jordan Chiles’s bronze medal remains contentious, with the USOPC and USA Gymnastics actively working to overturn the IOC’s decision. As the appeal process continues, the gymnastics community awaits a final resolution to this high-stakes dispute.
