Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles has spoken out about the emotional toll of losing her bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
In an update on August 10, the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique confirmed that Chiles had been pushed out of third place, officially placing Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu in bronze — though it is unclear whether Chiles must return her medal.
The previously accepted inquiry propelled Chiles past a pair of Romanian gymnasts who were tied for third and had begun celebrating what they expected to be a bronze medal.
Chiles finished fifth in the initial event with a score of 13.66. Following an investigation into the score, judges recalibrated Chiles’ position, promoting her to third and unseating Bărbosu, who had already raised her country’s flag in celebration.
Hiles was also pushed ahead of another Romanian gymnast, Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who finished fourth.
However, on August 10, the CAS ruled that Chile’s inquiry was filed after the one-minute deadline set by the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, overturning Chile’s bronze medal win.
In a statement to the public, CAS declared that “the initial score of 13.666 given to Ms. Jordan Chiles in the final of the women’s Floor exercise shall be reinstated.”
The CAS left the medal ranking to the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique, which confirmed on Saturday night that Chiles had been removed from third place, restoring the original order with Bărbosu in third.
Chiles expressed her deep disappointment and frustration over the decision on social media. The gymnast also revealed that the ordeal has had a significant impact on her mental health.
“I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health. Thank you,” Chiles posted on her IG story.
According to the Associated Press, the International Olympic Committee will decide whether Chiles should return her medal.
