Women's gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics has been marred by controversy after American gymnast Jordan Chiles was stripped of her bronze floor medal following a judge review. Now, Ana Maria Bărbosu, the Romanian gymnast who ended up receiving the medal formerly awarded to Chiles, is speaking out about what happened.
Bărbosu was awarded the bronze medal in Bucharest on Aug. 16, nearly a week after the Games wrapped up and after several days of back-and-forth between the International Olympic Committee , USA Gymnastics, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It was a bittersweet moment for her, to say the least.
“I can't help but think about [fellow Romanian gymnast and eventual fourth-place finisher] Sabrina [Voinea] and Jordan right now," Bărbosu said after receiving her medal, per USA Today . "It's a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics . And that the Olympic spirit is more important than any misunderstanding between the authorities."
"I want to believe that the day will come when all three of us will receive a bronze medal," she added.
Chiles reportedly still has the bronze medal she was awarded, so Bărbosu was given a different one. "I did not realize how heavy it is," Bărbosu remarked to the audience at the medal ceremony. "I am glad to be in possession of this medal and I hope to continue to represent Romania at the highest level."
Related: Jordan Chiles Speaks Out on 'Unjust' Decision to Strip Her of Olympic Medal
On Aug. 15, after the Court of Arbitration for Sport turned down USA Gymnastics' appeal , the 23-year-old Chiles to social media to express her sadness on the situation.
"This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey," she said. "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."
"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 concluded. "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."
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