Jordan Chiles Issued A Thorough Statement After Being Stripped Of Her Bronze Medal
Jordan Chiles issued a statement after being controversially stripped of her Olympic bronze medal.
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Jordan was awarded the medal at the women’s floor final in gymnastics after successfully appealing her initial score, which had her placed fifth — with Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu in third.
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However, the Olympics’ Court of Arbitration then decided that Jordan’s appeal was filed after the one-minute deadline and said that the medal should go to Ana instead. USA Gymnastics then argued that video evidence shows coach Cecile Landi submitted her review within 47 seconds.
As we continue to celebrate the successes of Team USA Gymnasts on social media, know that we are still working full-time to pursue justice for Jordan.
— USA Gymnastics (@USAGym) August 13, 2024
Jordan has kept quiet amid the chaos, writing on her Instagram story this week, “I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health thank you.”
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Today, Jordan issued an in-depth statement about the controversy. “I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days,” she wrote. “While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away. I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful.”
She continued, “I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am proud to represent my culture and my country.”
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“I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness. I have taken pride in cheering on everyone regardless of team or country,” the 23-year-old stated.
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“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many. I will approach this challenge as I have others — and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing,” she concluded.
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