Hezly Rivera's Strong Message For Jordan Chiles After Bronze Medal Decision

Jordan Chiles was stripped of her Olympic bronze medal following a controversial decision from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Chiles initially claimed bronze in the Floor Exercise finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to a last-second score bump that propelled her up from fifth place into third.

But after further investigation, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) later ruled that USA Gymnastics coaches did not issue the score inquiry within the allowed one-minute window.

USA gymnastics said they submitted video evidence proving the inquiry was made in time, but the evidence was denied.

Many people around the gymnastics world have come out in support of Chiles as she navigates this difficult time, including her USA Gymnastics teammate Hezly Rivera.

"Love you @jordanchiles and will always support you," Rivera wrote on Instagram after the initial ruling from the CAS.

Despite an appeal from USA Gymnastics, the IOC upheld the CAS ruling and reallocated the bronze medal to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu.

Chiles reportedly has "no plans" to return her bronze medal as USA Gymnastics continues its appeal process.

"I have no words," Chiles said in her first statement. "This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey."

"I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many," she continued. "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."

Related: Rebeca Andrade Makes Bold Statement About Jordan Chiles Medal Controversy