Jordan Chiles' Olympic controversy takes new twist as USA Gymnastics make statement

The decision to strip Jordan Chiles of her Olympic bronze medal has taken a controversial turn, with reports suggesting that a key figure in the ruling has ties to Romania .

The head of the tribunal who ruled on Romania's successful complaint , which resulted in Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu receiving the Olympic bronze, has represented the country in past cases, according to The New York Times.

Chiles had initially secured third place in the floor exercise final, behind Simone Biles and gold medallist Rebeca Andrade from Brazil. However, she was later asked to return her bronze medal.

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Originally, Chiles had finished fifth with 13.666 points, missing out on a medal due to Romanian gymnasts Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea scoring 13.700. But an appeal at the time saw her awarded the bronze.

USA Gymnastics coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi had swiftly appealed Chiles' score, arguing that her split leap was not properly rewarded. Judges accepted this and gave her the bronze.

However, almost a week later, this decision was reversed, pushing Chiles back to fifth place and awarding the bronze to Barbosu. This decision is now under scrutiny due to alleged ties between the head of the tribunal and Romania, reports the Express US .

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) rejected USA Gymnastics' appeal for a score change for gymnast Chiles due to what they claimed was an officiating error, stating the request was made well after the required one-minute timeframe. However, the U.

S. team is asserting they have footage that proves they lodged the appeal in time.

To make matters worse, allegations have surfaced that the head of the panel has ties to Romania and has dismissed the new evidence brought forward by the US representatives.

USA Gymnastics, caught up in this controversy, put out an official comment: "USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented."

"We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan."