The celebration around Jordan Chiles' bronze medal win at the 2024 Olympics was short-lived after a last-minute judging review led to Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu being deemed the bronze winner instead. In the immediate aftermath, Chiles kept off social media and avoided making public statements as she processed the shocking decision. Now, the 23-year-old star is breaking her silence.
Chiles took to Instagram on Aug. 15 with an update breaking down what happened and showing she's standing strong in her fight.
"I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, [USA Gymnastics], and the [U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee ] for their unwavering support during this difficult time," she began.
"While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away ," she recounted. "I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful. I have no words."
"This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey," she continued. "To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I've poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country."
The statement comes just days after USA Gymnastics' appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport was denied. USAG vowed to "continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal," per The New York Times .
Chiles is similarly not giving up hope yet and isn't letting this destroy her.
"I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness," she resolved. "I have taken pride in cheering on everyone regardless of team or country. Finding joy again has been a culture shift and I love seeing others embrace it. I feel like I have given everyone permission to be authentic to who they are."
"I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many," she concluded. "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."
What happens next remains unclear. In the meantime, Olympic fan Flavor Flav got Chiles a custom-made bronze clock necklace—a consolation prize that her mom Gina said "means the world."
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