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Simone Biles explains reason for supporting teammate amid Paris Olympics bronze medal controversy
Simone Biles has been unequivocal in her support for fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles. Once again, she revealed to the media why she backs Chiles, and why her teammate deserves justice at all costs.
Following an appeal by the Romanian authorities, Chiles' bronze medal was revoked by the CAS [Court of Arbitration for Sport] and restored to the original winner, Ana Barbosu of Romania. This has led to multiple protests by American authorities and sportspersons, including Biles, who termed the decision unjust in a recent interview with People.
"It's an unfortunate circumstance because something like this has never happened before and it's truly a shame... Do we think they did the correct procedures to come to this ruling? No. That's really why we want that justice for Jordan and why we're going to keep supporting her and uplifting her," Simone Biles said.
Chiles won an Olympic gold in the team all-around event at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She was initially ranked fifth in the floor exercise finals, behind Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Voinea of Romania.
After an appeal by the American coach Cecile Landi, the jury panel upgraded Chiles' score from 13.666 to 13.766, giving her the bronze medal over Barbosu and Voinea. The Romanian authorities protested against the decision, following which Chiles' medal was revoked.
Simone Biles' consistent support for Jordan Chiles throughout the controversy
Simone Biles won the silver medal in the floor exercise and has been unequivocal in backing Jordan Chiles.
In the aforementioned interview, Biles once again voiced support for Chiles and her performance.
"We saw what you did. And it's an unfortunate circumstance because something like this has never happened before and it's truly a shame, but we wish all three girls could get the medal and unfortunately in gymnastics that's not the case."
Further, having suffered from mental health issues during her campaign for the Tokyo Olympics, Biles stressed the importance of such well-being and revealed how she attempted to lift Chiles' spirits after she took a temporary break from social media.
Biles is not the only gymnast who rallied behind Chiles after she was stripped of her bronze medal. Her teammates Jade Carey and Sunisa Lee aka Suni Lee also backed her during the crisis. Despite their initial appeal being turned down by the CAS, USA Gymnastics has refused to back out, opting for an appeal in the Swiss Appellate Tribunal of the CAS.
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