(Photo by John Nacion/Getty Images)
Jordan Chiles is opening up about “one of the most challenging moments” in her career: losing her Olympic bronze medal. She broke her silence ahead of the Olympics’ plans to honor Romanian gymnast Ana Barbuso in her place.
USA Gymnastics tried to fight against the International Olympic Committee’s decision to strip Jordan of her prize and title. It even submitted video evidence. Ultimately, the Court of Arbitration chose not to consider it. This prompted Jordan Chiles’ statement on Thursday (August 15) via her social media accounts. Midway through it, she spoke about how the situation has impacted her.
“I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive edividence 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. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”
Aside from sharing her hurt, Jordan Chiles also shared how she plans to stand on her resilience during this time. She added that she has no plans to waver from her “values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the value of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness.” She also seemingly addressed Ana Barbosu taking home the bronze in her place but didn’t outright name her.
“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. I feel like I have given everyone permission to be authentic to who they are.”
As previously reported, Ana tagged Jordan Chiles in an Instagram Stories post on Sunday (August 12) about the court’s ruling to bump her to third place. She also tagged her fellow Romanian teammate, Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who ultimately came in fourth with the score change. The teammates carry matching scores of 13.700, and Jordan has a 13.600.
“Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you. I know what you are feeling because I’ve been through the same. But I know you’ll come back stronger. I hope from deep of my heart that at the next Olympics, all three of us will share [the] same podium,” Ana wrote.
Nonetheless, Ana celebrated the moment, saying the bronze win was her “true dream” and that the persons to blame here were those “in charge.” At the time, Jordan was on a social media break that she announced the day before. She spoke about needing a break due to her mental health.
Overall, Chiles began her statement by thanking everyone who is standing by her, from her family to coaches, fans, and USA Gymnastics. “I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days,” she wrote.
Chiles also showed love to her teammates. Sunisa Lee and Simone Biles specifically spoke out this weekend about the score change. Swipe below to see her words top to bottom.
