Nadia Comaneci reacts to CAS ruling overturning the last minute decision at Paris Olympics which awarded bronze medal to Jordan Chiles

Modified Aug 10, 2024 20:59 GMT

Jordan Chiles found herself in the face of adversity following her controversial bronze medal win in floor exercise at the Paris Olympics. Chiles had initially finished fifth, but her coaches, Cecile and Laurent Landi, filed an appeal to have some of her scores, which had allegedly not been entered, added to the points.

The Romanian Gymnastics Federation initiated a case with the Court of Arbitration regarding the medal awarded to Jordan Chiles. Additionally, they filed another appeal, contesting a point deduction imposed on Sabrina Voinea for stepping out of bounds.

According to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the appeal from Chiles’ coach, which resulted in an increased score for her, breached the rules. The International Gymnastics Federation rules note that such appeals must be submitted within a one-minute timeframe.

It was found that the appeal filed by Chiles' coach, which resulted in an increased score for her, was submitted beyond the allowed one-minute timeframe. Consequently, Chiles' initial score of 13.666 was reinstated, placing her in fifth position.

Initially, after the points were added, Chiles moved from fifth place to third place, dethroning Barbosu and Voinea. Barbosu had already started celebrating with her flag before the scores were changed and Chiles was announced as the bronze medalist. After the announcement, the Romanian gymnast was seen crying; her coach helped her off the floor and tried to console her.

Amid the controversy, five-time Olympic champion Nadia Comaneci has expressed support for Chiles, Ana Barbosu, and Voinea, highlighting their contributions to the excitement of the sport.

"Proud of you ladies… you make the sport shine❤️❤️❤️," Comaneci wrote on X.

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Jordan Chiles to take social media break following ruling on controversial bronze medal at Paris Olympics

Jordan Chiles has decided to take a break from social media in a bid to protect her mental health amid the ongoing controversy. The 23-year-old shared the news with a message and a series of broken-heart emojis on her Instagram stories.

"I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health thank you," she wrote.

Jordan Chiles to take social media break following controversial bronze medal at Paris Olympics- (Source: Jordan Chiles' Instagram)

The final day of the gymnastics competition unfolded dramatically, with a surprising turn of events that saw Chiles ascend from fifth place to claim the bronze medal.

The controversial bronze medal she won was her first individual medal at the quadrennial event, having made her debut at the previous edition in Tokyo. Chiles received a great deal of backlash and abuse as a result of the initial decision that placed her third.