US gymnast Jordan Chiles says she has received online racist abuse after an appeal over the decision to strip her of the bronze medal she won at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The International Gymnastics Federation (Fig) upgraded Romania’s Ana Barbosu from fourth to third in the women’s floor final following a Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas) ruling.
It meant that Chiles, 23, lost her bronze medal after initially being upgraded from fifth to third because of an inquiry by her coach Cecile Landi that increased her difficulty rating.
Since the decision, Cas has refused to review its decision and condemned “outrageous statements” that it was biased.
Reports in US media had suggested the head of the Cas panel making the decision in the case had links to Romania.
Chiles said the “decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow” and that she has faced abuse during the process.
“To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful,” she said in a statement posted to X on Thursday.
“I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”
Chiles was a member of the US team – which included Simone Biles – that won gold in the women’s team gymnastics.
Chiles said she believes that “at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing”.
USA Gymnastics attempted to have Cas reconsider its decision that led to Chiles being stripped of her medal, citing new video evidence it said proved the challenge was made in time. But on Monday, it revealed that request had been denied.
“I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful,” Chiles said on Thursday.
On Monday, USA Gymnastics (USAG) said it “strongly disagrees” with Cas’ detailed decision.
Chiles added on Thursday: “I will approach this challenge as I have others – and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done.”
The women’s floor final took place on 5 August and Romania appealed to Cas the following day. USA Gymnastics said it did not become aware of the case until 9 August, which it said was two days past the deadline to submit objections related to panellists.
USA Gymnastics claimed this was because Cas sent case filings to “incorrect email addresses”.
On Sunday, USA Gymnastics submitted a letter and video to Cas appearing to show Landi’s request to file an inquiry was submitted 47 seconds after the publishing of the score, while they also said she filed a second statement 55 seconds after the original posting of the score.
USA Gymnastics has said it will “pursue these and other matters upon appeal” as it continues to “seek justice for Jordan Chiles”.
