USA Gymnastics officials say they will not reconsider their decision to return gymnast Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Last week, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned an appeal by Chiles’ trainer on the floor that was initially upheld and moved him from fifth to third in the floor exercise in Paris. Cass’s decision came after the Romanian Olympic Committee said the appeal was more than four seconds past the one-minute time limit for scoring hearings. As a result, the International Gymnastics Federation (pictured) said Romania’s Ana Barbosu was promoted to third and Chiles dropped to fifth. The IOC said Chiles must return his medal.
On Sunday, USA Gymnastics said the agency submitted video evidence to Goss that showed Team USA coach Cecil Landy’s first appeal 13 seconds before the deadline. That appeal has now been dismissed.
USA Gymnastics said Chiles will continue to try to retain the medal.
“USA Gymnastics Announced [by Cas] “On Monday, their rules do not allow the referees to reconsider their decision even if conclusive new evidence is presented,” USA Gymnastics said in a statement. “We are deeply disappointed by the announcement and will pursue every possible avenue and appeals process, including the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure proper scoring, placement and medal award for Jordan.”
Disputes over such minute details set up months or even years of legal battles over gymnastics scores.
The IOC said it would contact the USOPC regarding the return of Chile’s bronze and work with the Romanian Olympic Committee to discuss a rededication ceremony honoring Barbosu. Brazil’s Rebecca Andrade won gold and USA’s Simone Biles won silver. The Romanian team asked to share the bronze medals, allowing Chiles to keep her bronze.
Any appeal can go to the Swiss Tribunal, Switzerland’s highest court, or the European Court of Human Rights.
Late Monday, rapper Flavor Flav — who has been a major celebrity supporter of the 2024 Olympians — posted on X that the U.S. had created a Pedestal bronze medalist as a possible replacement for Chile as it battles “Powers That Peace.”
“Thank you. Means the world,” Chiles’ mother, Gina, wrote on X. “He’s no longer social as you can imagine. I will share with her.
