U.S. Gymnastics Icon Samantha Peszek Reveals Major Disappointment in Jordan Chiles Controversy

While most American fans were concerned about the well-being of Jordan Chiles throughout her bronze medal controversy from the Paris 2024 Olympics -- and rightfully so -- the fact of the matter is that she wasn't the only athlete who went through a traumatic series of events following the floor exercise final on August 5.

Chiles, who initially climbed the podium alongside Brazil's Rebecca Andrade (gold) and United States teammate Simone Biles (silver), was subsequently stripped of the bronze medal due to a technicality. Apparently, Chiles' judges challenge that was submitted during the competition was deemed invalid after it was determined that it came four seconds outside the allotted challenge period.

This led to Chiles falling from third to fifth. Romanian Ana Barbosu was deemed the rightful winner of the bronze medal, while compatriot Sabrina Voinea finished fourth.

Incidentally, Voinea finished with the same final score as Barbosu (13.700), but it was the latter who placed third due to a tie-breaker (higher execution score). Voinea, however, has filed an official appeal contesting her score and the fact that 0.100 points were deducted from the same after a supposed violation (stepping out of bounds) during her routine. Her camp is adamant that she did not commit any violation and that she should have finished third with a score of 13.800.

U.S. gymnastics icon Samantha Peszek has spoken out about this massive controversy. In an exclusive interview with Athlon Sports, the Olympic silver medalist revealed that her biggest issue with all this is how the athletes were subjected to such a horrific turn of events.

“I’ve never seen something like this and it’s really disappointing for everybody,” Peszek told Athlon Sports. “I think that the people in charge have really failed the athletes that are taking the brunt of this decision and this situation. It should have never come to this point... What should be an exciting time for these athletes is now a stressful and serious time, and it’s something that should never happen.”

When asked if she felt that USA Gymnastics had done its role in terms of protecting Chiles and her rights, Peszek admitted that she's not fully aware of what's going on behind closed doors. The 2008 Beijing Olympics alumnus, however, made her thoughts on Chiles' coach, Cecile Landi, abundantly clear.

“When Jordan’s coach put in an inquiry on her score, they absolutely handled that in the correct way," she said. "When you feel that your athlete didn’t get the correct score for whatever reason, it is your job and your duty to be on top of it as a coach. And I know watching it and being there, her coach did exactly what they were supposed to do.”

As she said, Peszeck was there to witness the event live as she provided commentary and analysis for NBC's coverage of the Paris Games.

Unfortunately, the said challenge was subsequently disallowed, leading to Chiles losing 0.100 points. This turned out to be the difference between a glorious bronze medal finish and a heartbreaking Olympic memory.

Related: U.S. Gymnastics Icon Samantha Peszek Shares 'Selfish' Simone Biles Admission

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