Jordan Chiles Speaks Out After Bronze Medal Scandal: ‘I Trust They’ll Make Things Right’
The Olympian openly talks about the heartbreak of losing her bronze medal and vows to keep fighting for justice.
Overwhelmed by the support she’s received lately, Olympian Jordan Chiles has spoken out about losing her Olympic bronze medal after the gymnastics floor final, staying hopeful in her pursuit of justice.
On Aug. 15, the 23-year-old gymnast addressed the recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in a heartfelt Instagram statement. “I have no words,” Chiles said of CAS’s reversed decision. “This decision feels unjust and is a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has supported my journey.” Chiles shared that learning the news while celebrating her Olympic achievement was devastating, marking one of the “most challenging moments” of her life.
As reported by BLACK ENTERPRISE, Chiles initially received the bronze medal after an inquiry raised her score, placing her above Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu. However, she was later instructed to return the medal after the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee requested a review of the scoring—a decision that her sister called out as racist.
“I had faith in the appeal filed by USAG, which provided solid evidence that my score was within the rules,” Chiles wrote in her Aug. 15 Instagram post, noting that the appeal was ultimately “unsuccessful.”
Before making her statement, BLACK ENTERPRISE reported that Chiles informed her fans she would be stepping away from social media due to the backlash from the scandal. Despite the controversy, Chiles, who still holds a gold medal from the Paris Games with her Team USA peers, has maintained her composure even in the face of racial attacks online. “I will tackle this challenge like I have others and will do everything I can to see that justice is served,” Chiles added.
“I believe that by the end of this journey, those in charge will do the right thing,” Chiles stated, assuring fans that the controversy won’t shake her commitment to her core values or her integrity in competition. She remains dedicated to striving for excellence, representing her culture, and supporting her peers.
As of Aug. 13, the Olympics confirmed that CAS would not reconsider its decision, citing rules that prevent a ruling from being reviewed even when new evidence is presented. Chiles’ score was lowered from 13.766 to 13.666, placing her back in fifth. USA Gymnastics has pledged to continue fighting for Chiles to retain her bronze medal.
