Politician vows to skip Olympics closing ceremony over 'dishonorable' Team USA moment

Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu has announced he will boycott the Olympic Games closing ceremony, railing against the "scandalous" decision that led to USA gymnast Jordan Chiles clinching a controversial bronze at the Paris Olympics.

Chiles was originally sixth but rose to third in the floor competition following an appeal that adjusted her final score based on routine difficulty, moving ahead of Romania's Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea.

Chiles secured her first individual Olympic medal thanks to her coaches' successful argument regarding judging errors at Monday's event, adding to her team all-around gold.

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The outcome left 18-year-old Barbosu heartbroken, prompting wide debate among pundits. Ciolacu wasy appalled by what he perceived as injustice, and took to Facebook to express his outrage, condemning the decision.

"I decided not to participate in the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, after the scandalous situation in gymnastics, where our athletes were treated in an absolutely dishonorable way," Ciolacu said. "To withdraw a medal earned by honest work on the basis of an appeal, which neither the coaches nor the top technicians understand, is totally unacceptable!

"The fact that hundreds of millions of viewers from all over the world were, like us Romanians, effectively shocked by this terrible scene, shows that somewhere, in the system of organizing this competition, something is wrong.

"I don't want to argue with anyone today, but I just choose to protest with my gesture against a blatant injustice towards some Romanian women who have fully proven their worth! Sabrina and Ana Maria, you have a whole nation by your side for whom your work and tears are more valuable than any medal, no matter what precious metal it is!".

Explaining the rationale behind the appeal, Chiles' coach Cecile Landi said: "Today [she was] a little sloppy on the landing. But at this point, we had nothing to lose so I was like 'we're just going to try. I honestly didn't think it was going to happen but when I heard her scream, I turned around and was like 'What? '".

The medal ceremony ensued, where Biles and Chiles showed paid homage by bowing down to honor Brazilian star Andrade, creating one of the most memorable moments from the games.

Romania stands 16th on the medal tally boasting three golds, three silvers, and one bronze, while the United States leads the pack with a total of 86 medals, including 24 golds.