Ana Barbosu Sends Message to Jordan Chiles After Receiving Her Bronze Medal

Though it took a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling and a denied appeal from USA Gymnastics (despite having video evidence that Jordan Chiles’ score inquiry at the 2024 Paris Olympics was perfectly legal), Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu was officially awarded her bronze medal during a special ceremony on Friday morning.

After 11 days of confusion, finger-pointing and controversy, Barbosu spoke to the crowd at the event, sending a message to Chiles and her Romanian teammate Sabrina Menca-Voinea, who she felt were both also deserving of the bronze medal.

“I can't help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now,” Barbosu said . “It's a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics. And that the Olympic spirit is more important than any misunderstanding between authorities.

“I want to believe that the day will come when all three of us will receive a bronze medal each.”

Following the CAS ruling that nullified the score inquiry that led to Chiles’ jumping from fifth to third place in the women’s floor exercise and effectively taking away her medal, the Romanian Olympic Committee recommended that all three gymnasts share the bronze.

However, the International Olympic Committee disregarded its recommendation, stripping Chiles of the medal and awarding it to Barbosu.

Chiles addressed the situation on Thursday, admitting she felt the decision was “unjust” and stating she planned to make every effort to ensure justice was served in the matter.

Related: U.S. Olympic Committee Accuses CAS of Shady Dealings in Jordan Chiles Decision

Related: USA Gymnast Jordan Chiles Breaks Silence on Olympic Medal Controversy