Jordan Chiles breaks silence on Olympic bronze medal controversy as US gymnast vows to ‘ensure justice is done’

TEAM USA star Jordan Chiles has broken her silence after being controversially stripped of a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

In an emotional statement, Chiles said she was “devastated” when she lost her medal from the women’s floor event at the Olympics.

Getty

Getty

Getty

And the gymnast has vowed to “get justice done” in response to the “unjust decision.”

“While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away,” Chiles said.

“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 added: “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.”

Chiles initially finished fifth in the women’s floor final at the Olympics .

She was then bumped up to bronze after United States coach Cecile Landi successfully argued that her score had been under-marked.

But now the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has concluded that the review was submitted four seconds beyond the one-minute deadline.

Now the International Olympic Committee has told Chiles that she must return her bronze medal , with Romanian Ana Barbosu being given the podium place.

Chiles has poured her heart out with a lengthy statement on social media.

“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career,” she said.

“To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful,” Chiles added.

“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.

“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.

This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.

Jordan Chiles

“I feel like I have given everyone permission to be authentic to who they are.”

Senior figures within US gymnastics have rallied around Chiles who took a break from social media.

Simone Biles , who won silver in the floor final, wrote on social media: “Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!”

Meanwhile, Team USA has accused CAS of emailing the wrong people as they decided to strip Chiles of her medal.

In another shocking twist, CAS was forced to hit back at separate allegations of a conflict of interest, after it emerged that chairman of the judging panel Hamid G. Gharavi had worked for the Romanian government for around 10 years.

“The court condemns the outrageous statements published in certain US media alleging that the panel, and more particularly its chairman, was biased due to other professional engagements or for reasons of nationality,” the rebuttal said.

“As none of the parties involved in this case has challenged any panel member during the procedure, it can reasonably be assumed that all parties were satisfied to have their case heard by this panel.

“Any subsequent criticism is without foundation or merit.”

As per The New York Times , Gharavi had disclosed his former Romanian government ties prior to the event.