Jordan Chiles is finally addressing the International Olympic Committee’s “unjust” move to strip her of her bronze medal after a disputed score reversal.
“I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, USAG, and USOPC for their unwavering support during this difficult time,”
the Olympic medalist wrote on Instagram.
Chiles, 23, said she learned about the decision to strip her of her bronze medal – which she earned during the August 5 gymnastics floor exercise final – while she was celebrating her wins in Paris.
“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,” she continued.
The Nike athlete, who identifies as Black and Latina, said she’s been the subject of “unprompted racially driven attacks on social media,” which she called “wrong and extremely hurtful.”
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport, and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”
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Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the scoring appeal filed by Chiles’ coach, Cecile Canqueteau-Landi, was submitted four seconds past the one-minute deadline.
As a result, the International Gymnastics Federation agreed to uphold the CAS decision, reinstating Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu to third place in the floor exercise final.
The International Olympic Committee then announced on Sunday that Chiles needed to return the bronze medal.
USA Gymnastics filed an appeal, but it was denied. According to The New York Times, officials will “continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.’
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Chiles is also holding onto hope and refuses to let this setback defeat her.
“I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness,” she added.
Chiles shared that she has supported everyone throughout the Paris Olympics, “regardless of team or country,” but now finds herself “facing one of the most challenging moments of my career.”
“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many,” the gymnast concluded. “I will approach this challenge as I have others—and 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.”
What comes next is uncertain, but in the meantime, Olympic fan Flavor Flav has offered to make Chiles her own bronze clock, which Chile’s mom Gina said “means the world to her.”
