Olympic Icon Nadia Comaneci Reacts To Emotional Jordan Chiles Message From Romanian Gymnast

Nine-time Olympic medalist Nadia Comaneci has been one of the biggest proponents behind Romania's pursuit of justice surrounding the whole Jordan Chiles bronze medal controversy.

It was two Romanian gymnasts, Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Voinea, who were denied a potential podium finish in the gymnastics individual floor exercise final of the 2024 Olympics when a successful judges appeal from Chiles' camp suddenly propelled the American to third place.

On Saturday, however, it was announced by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) that they had overturned the initial decision on the appeal and that Chiles would now be stripped of her medal.

The biggest benefactor in this scandal is Barbosu, who has now been deemed as the third-place finisher in the floor final. The 17-year-old gymnast took to Instagram shortly after the IOC report came out, sending an emotional message to both Chiles and Voinea.

“Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you,” she wrote. “I know what you are feeling because I’ve been through the same. But I know you’ll come back stronger. I hope from deep of my heart that at the next Olympics all three of us will share the same podium. This is my true dream.

“This situation would not have existed if the persons in charge had respected the regulation. We athletes are not to be blamed, and the hate directed to us is painful. I wanted to end this edition of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 in the spirit of Olympism, the true value of the world.”

Comaneci quickly caught wind of the touching statement from Barbosu, and the Romanian Olympic icon just had to share her heartfelt reaction to the same.

"Beautiful words of respect from Ana Barbosu … friendship #olympicspirit ❤️❤️❤️" Comaneci wrote on Instagram.

Despite taking Barbosu and Voinea's side in this issue, Comaneci has nothing against Chiles. In fact, the 62-year-old recently called out the fans who have been "attacking" all three girls on social media.

In one of her Instagram Stories, Comaneci also shared a post from Inside Gymnastics which proposes that Barbosu, Voinea, and Chiles simultaneously be placed third and that all three athletes be awarded a bronze medal.

Whether or not the governing body heeds this plea, however, is an altogether different story.

Related: Simone Biles' Subtle Reaction To Jordan Chiles Being Stripped Of Gold Medal

Related: Romanian Olympic Committee Announces Athlete Is 'Giving Up' Gymnastics Amid Jordan Chiles Controversy

Related: U.S. Gymnastics Coach Highlights Unfair Jordan Chiles Treatment With Critical Post