American gymnast Jordan Chiles has been told to return the Olympic bronze medal she won during the Paris 2024 floor exercise finals.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport made the decision following an invalidated inquiry that saw her move up to the podium.
Chiles found herself in a controversy over her Olympic medal after securing bronze in the individual floor exercise. The 23 year old saw her initial fifth place position elevated to third following a successful appeal from her team.
Barbosu had already started celebrating what she believed was her bronze medal victory , proudly waving the Romanian flag in celebration. However, moments later, she was left devastated as she was bumped off the podium, watching her Olympic medal dream slip away.
ALL THE LATEST ENTERTAINMENT, CULTURE AND CRAIC
However, the on-floor appeal by US coach Cecile Landi, which catapulted Chiles onto the podium ahead of Romania's Ana Barbosu, came under scrutiny . The request to add 1 to Chiles' score was approved but a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport is set to restore the teenager's original position.
CAS ruled on Saturday that the appeal by Landi fell outside the permitted one minute window allowed by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) with the committee noting that Landi's appeal came one minute and four seconds after the score was posted.
Chiles' score has been reset to the original 13.666, and she's being asked to return her medal following CAS's suggestion to reinstate the initial rankings. She'll now be placed fifth with Barbosus team member Sabrina Maneca-Voinea moving up to fourth.
The International Olympic Committee said: "We are in touch with the [National Olympic Committee] of Romania to discuss the reallocation ceremony and with [U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee] regarding the return of the bronze medal."
Heartbroken by the decision announced on Saturday , Chiles shared her feelings on Instagram: "I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health , thank you."
Simone Biles, who took home silver just ahead of Chiles, extended her support during the upheaval , posting on Instagram: "Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ ! We love you!"
As part of her US return tour , Chiles made stops at NASDAQ and the Today Show, and flaunted her medals at UCLA, where she is set to compete for the Bruins beginning in 2025.
For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here .
Earlier at the Games, she had earned a team gold alongside fellow gymnasts Biles, Jade Carey, Sunisa Lee, and Hezly Rivera.
For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .
Most Popular
Comments / 0