Patrick McEnroe: Triple bronze solves Jordan Chiles medal dispute

( NewsNation ) — Former tennis player Patrick McEnroe says all three gymnasts involved in an Olympic medal dispute should receive bronze medals, calling it the “simplest solution” to a complex issue.

“All three gymnasts should get the bronze,” McEnroe said Wednesday on NewsNation’s “ Elizabeth Vargas Reports. ” “That’s what should happen.”

The dispute centers around the women’s floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics. American Jordan Chiles initially finished fifth but was awarded bronze after a successful score appeal. Days later, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled Chiles’ coach submitted the inquiry late, stripping her of the medal.

McEnroe criticized the International Olympic Committee’s handling of the situation, calling it an “absolute epic failure.”

“This is so complicated,” McEnroe said. “The judges on-site made multiple mistakes.”

He noted that a Romanian gymnast who finished fifth also had points incorrectly deducted, which would have put her in the bronze medal position if scored properly.

USA Gymnastics disputes the court’s ruling, saying they have video evidence proving the inquiry was submitted on time. The organization plans to continue fighting for Chiles.

The controversy has led to significant backlash, with Chiles facing abuse on social media.

McEnroe said that the dispute stems from judging errors rather than the gymnasts’ performances. He urged the IOC to “wake up and do the right thing” by awarding all three gymnasts bronze medals.

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