Current:Home > InvestJordan Chiles breaks silence on Olympic bronze medal controversy: 'Feels unjust'-InfoLens
Jordan Chiles breaks silence on Olympic bronze medal controversy: 'Feels unjust'
View Date:2024-12-23 14:48:37
U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles broke her silence about the Court of Arbitration for Sport's denial of an appeal on Monday – a ruling that effectively stripped her of a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In a statement posted to social media on Thursday, Chiles wrote that the decision "feels unjust" and that she has been the victim of "racially driven attacks" on social media.
"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 the USOPC for their unwavering support during this difficult time," she said. "While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away. I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful.
"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. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful," she added. "I've poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country."
Chiles said she has been confronted with one of the most challenging moments of her career and will attempt "every effort to ensure justice is done."
2024 Paris Olympics: Follow USA TODAY’s coverage of the biggest names and stories of the Games.
"I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing," she said.
Chiles won the bronze medal in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics after her coaches submitted an inquiry to the judges over her score.
There currently are no plans for Chiles to give the bronze medal back as U.S. officials say they plan to appeal what the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee said were “significant procedural errors” by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in overturning the higher score. CAS said it could not re-open the case despite the U.S. officials stating conclusive video evidence showed Chiles in fact did deserve the bronze medal.
Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu finished fourth in the floor exercise but the eventual ruling was that she should be awarded bronze. The International Olympic Committee said Thursday morning that Romania can award Barbosu a bronze medal, something Romanian officials said they will do in a medal ceremony on Friday.
Contributing: Christine Brennan
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast.Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
veryGood! (322)
Related
- Artem Chigvintsev Returns to Dancing With the Stars Ballroom Amid Nikki Garcia Divorce
- Fantasy football rankings for Week 6: Jaguars look like a team on the rise
- Populist former prime minister in Slovakia signs a deal to form a new government
- How Val Chmerkovskiy Feels About Being in Throuple With Wife Jenna Johnson and Tyson Beckford
- Denzel Washington teases retirement — and a role in 'Black Panther 3'
- Kenya ends arrangement to swap doctors with Cuba. The deal was unpopular with Kenyan doctors
- Australian-Chinese journalist detained for 3 years in China returns to Australia
- The 'horrendous' toll on children caught in the Israel-Gaza conflict
- Powerball winning numbers for Nov. 13 drawing: Jackpot rises to $113 million
- The Supreme Court signals support for a Republican-leaning congressional district in South Carolina
Ranking
- Mike Tyson concedes the role of villain to young foe in 58-year-old’s fight with Jake Paul
- Julia Fox opens up about Ye 'using' her, winning 'lottery' with 'Uncut Gems' role in new book
- GOP links $6 billion in Iran prisoner swap to Hamas attack on Israel, but Biden officials say funds are untouched
- 2 women found alive after plane crashes in Georgia
- Bradley Cooper and Gigi Hadid Enjoy a Broadway Date Night and All that Jazz
- Scientists winkle a secret from the `Mona Lisa’ about how Leonardo painted the masterpiece
- 'We're shattered' How an American family is mourning a loved one lost to war in Israel
- Former offensive lineman Mark Schlereth scorches Jerry Jeudy, Denver for 1-4 start
Recommendation
-
Federal judge blocks Louisiana law that requires classrooms to display Ten Commandments
-
I don't recall: Allen Weisselberg, ex-Trump Org CFO, draws a blank on dozens of questions in New York fraud trial
-
Jada Pinkett Smith says she and Will Smith were separated for 6 years before Oscars slap
-
Suspect in pro cyclist’s shooting in Texas briefly runs from officers at medical appointment
-
Bull doge! Dogecoin soars as Trump announces a government efficiency group nicknamed DOGE
-
Texas man who killed woman in 2000 addresses victim's family moments before execution: I sincerely apologize for all of it
-
5 Things podcast: Israel intensifies assault on Gaza, Americans unaccounted for
-
'Top moment': Young fan overjoyed as Keanu Reeves plays catch with him before Dogstar show