Laurie Hernandez Offers Simple Solution to Jordan Chiles Controversy

USA Gymnastics' successful 2024 Olympic campaign was marred by an unfortunate controversy surrounding Jordan Chiles and her bronze medal in the Floor Exercise.

Chiles initially claimed bronze after a last-second score bump moved her from fifth to third. But upon further review, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the United States did not submit its score inquiry within the allowed one-minute timeframe.

Despite an appeal from USA Gymnastics, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) upheld the CAS ruling.

The bronze medal was reallocated to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, and Chiles has been asked to return her medal.

Former Olympic gymnast/NBC commentator Laurie Hernandez offered a more equitable solution to this controversy during a recent interview with Vulture.

"Give them all a medal for hell’s sake. It doesn’t make sense to me how it got to this," Hernandez said.

Here's her full interview response:

I don’t know if a correct answer necessarily exists. It’s the collision of the logic of the rules and emotions of the athletes. I’d prefer to keep my opinions out of it, because with commentary, that’s what makes things messy. Submitting inquiries is common to ensure everything was accurately given credit. The competition moves fast. I’m not saying judges are faulty, but when you watch things in slow motion, of course you’re going to find something different. They’ve been doing that for decades. Does it make it right or wrong? That’s simply not my job and above my pay grade. Jordan’s inquiry got approved, her score got moved, and she won bronze. Unfortunately, we watched on live television this poor Romanian girl getting crushed because she thought the medal was hers. Countries aside, you can understand that feeling. Her hand is on her stomach and you can watch her heartbreak. It was tough to watch while we were celebrating Jordan.

I can’t imagine how Jordan is feeling. We know she’s heartbroken. All of this is on a global scale, and it’s a really messy situation. I hate to say it, but it’s very important to the International Olympic Committee that they get that medal back. A lot of people are like, I just wouldn’t give it back. I’m sure this has crossed every single athlete from decades prior before something like this happened. I teeter on “chaotic neutral” and “chaotic good,” but I’m more chaotic neutral in terms of wanting everyone to be happy. Give them all a medal for hell’s sake. It doesn’t make sense to me how it got to this.

Barbosu was awarded her bronze medal in a ceremony this past Friday. Chiles reportedly has "no plans" to return her bronze medal as USA Gymnastics continues its appeal process.

Related: Gymnastics Icon Aly Raisman Didn't Hold Back When Asked About Jordan Chiles Ruling