Jordan Chiles Says Decision Mandating Bronze Medal Return Is “Unjust” In New Statement

August 15, 2024

Jordan Chiles of Team USA looks on ahead of the apparatus floor final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024

Jordan Chiles posted a statement to Instagram on August 15, saying that being asked to return her bronze medal from the 2024 Olympics “one of the most challenging moments” of her career.

Chiles stepped away from social media last week after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issued a ruling that led the International Olympic Committee to mandate that Chiles return her bronze medal, awarding it instead to Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu. The ruling said that the inquiry that boosted Chiles from fifth to third place during the Paris Olympics was filed too late, per the governing body's rules, therefor returning her to her initial fifth place score.

Many have expressed outrage and support for Chiles, particularly after the CAS declined to consider evidence that USA Gymnastics claimed shows that the inquiry was filed within the appropriate time limit, and would have allowed Chiles to keep her bronze medal. Chiles remained silent until her august 15 statement.

“I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days,” Chiles wrote in an Instagram post. “While celebrating my Olympic accomplishment, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away. I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. The 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.”

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Despite their appeal being denied, USA Gymnastics has noted that it's “working full-time to pursue justice for Jordan,” and has threatened to take the claim to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, the only body that can hear an appeal of a CAS decision, per the New York Times.

Chiles also addressed racism lobbed at her in the wake of her win, much of which has poured in on social media. “To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful," she wrote. "I've poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.” Chiles participated in the medal ceremony for the event she won bronze in, making it the first all-Black Olympic gymnastics podium in history — an achievement she told Teen Vogue won't be the last of its like. Brazil's Rebeca Andrade took gold in the event, and Simone Biles took silver.

Though she called this “one of the most challenging moments” in her career, Chiles, who's set to head to UCLA in the fall, said she's faced adversity before, and it won't stop her from pursuing justice. “I will approach this challenge as I have others — and will make ever 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.”