Ayobamiji Komolafe 
The United States (US) gymnast, Jordan Chiles has been stripped of her podium following a surprising decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The International Olympic Committee announced in a statement issued on Sunday that it will reallocate the bronze medal to Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu.
As a result of the CAS decision, the US gymnast Jordan Chiles will have to return the bronze medal.
On Sunday, the court determined that the inquiry which led to Chiles’ score being increased from fifth to third place in the women’s floor final was improperly filed, having been submitted past the one-minute deadline.
READ ALSO:
- Olympic Games 2024: All Hopes On Amusan As Brume Falters In Long Jump Final
- Olympics: Abbas Hails D’Tigress For Qualifying For Q/Finals
- Olympic Games: Chukwuebuka hits Shot Put final
“Following the CAS decision with regard to the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final and the amendment of the ranking by the International Gymnastics Federation, the IOC will reallocate the bronze medal to Ana Barbosu (Romania),” The IOC said in the statement.
As a result, Chiles’ score has been reverted to its original 13.666, placing her fifth.
The late adjustment had initially caused an emotional scene, with Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, who was celebrating her bronze medal, visibly distressed as she learned of the change.
On Sunday morning, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) confirmed the CAS decision, reassigning the bronze medal to Barbosu and moving Chiles to fifth place.
Citing mental health reasons, Chiles has announced her temporary departure from social media.
In same manner, her sister, Jazmin, criticized the decision on Instagram, alleging racial bias and accusing the judges of failing to perform their duties properly.
“Please keep Jordan (and my family) in your prayers. Racism is real, it exists, it is alive and well.
“They have officially, 5 days later, stripped her of one of her medals. Not because she didn’t win, not because she was drugged, not because she stepped out of bounds.
“Not because she wasn’t good enough. But because the judges failed to give her difficulty and forced an inquiry to be made.”
USA teammate Simone Biles also supported Chiles on social media, sharing a photo of the two athletes and offering words of encouragement.
“Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up olympic champ! we love you!”
In response, USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee released a joint statement expressing their devastation. They defended the integrity of the initial inquiry and condemned the online abuse directed at Chiles, emphasizing their support for her.
The ruling was prompted by appeals from the Romanian Gymnastics Federation, which sought to address the impact of Chiles’ revised score on their gymnasts, Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Voinea.
