Jordan Chiles ordered to return Olympic bronze medal after USA Gymnastics appeal fails
Gymnast Jordan Chiles has been ordered to return her Olympic bronze medal following a failed appeal.
The Team USA star was awarded the medal following her floor exercise routine in Paris, which initially earned her a score of 13.666 and landed her in fifth place.
However, after USA Gymnastics Coach Cecile Landi raised an inquiry over Chiles’ difficulty score, Chiles received another 0.1 of a point.
It was only a small change, but it was enough to push her past Romania’s Ana Bǎrbosu and USA's Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who were tied, into third place.
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Bǎrbosu therefore lost the medal and Chiles was awarded it, but her success was thrown into contention when Romania challenged the score, arguing the USA Gymnastics inquiry came after the one-minute deadline coaches have to raise an inquiry.
When the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) upheld Team Romania’s challenge, Chiles and USA Gymnastics were left trying to appeal the decision in a final bid to hold on to her medal.
CAS initially said it had determined the inquiry about Chiles' score 'was raised after the conclusion of the one-minute deadline… and is determined to be without effect', though the US argued it had video evidence to prove otherwise.
Unfortunately for Chiles, US Olympic officials announced on Monday (August 12) that CAS had declined to reconsider its decision.
In a statement, USA Gymnastics said: "USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented.
"We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan."
Romania initially suggested Bǎrbosu, Maneca-Voinea, and Chiles should all be placed in third position and each be given a medal.
However, the International Olympic Committee has ordered Chiles to return the bronze medal so it can be reallocated to Bǎrbosu, who has been promoted into third place.
Chiles announced a decision to take a step out of the spotlight in the wake of the controversy, saying she is 'taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health'.
Simone Biles, who won silver in the competition, showed support for her teammate on Instagram, writing: "Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up 'Olympic champ' we love you."
Bărbosu has also spoken out, penning a heartfelt message to Chiles on Instagram, saying: "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 same podium. This is my true dream."
Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade took gold in the event.
Emily Brown