UPDATE: This story has been updated to indicate that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced it would abide by CAS’ ruling and will reallocate the medal to Barbosu,
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) reinstated Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu to third place in the women’s floor exercise final Saturday, ESPN reported.
FIG’s decision impacted American gymnast Jordan Chiles, who had initially been awarded the bronze medal. This decision followed a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that nullified a scoring appeal made during the competition that had temporarily elevated Chiles to third place, according to ESPN.
Jordan Chiles might have to return bronze medal after CAS ruling https://t.co/SAYljcRqaf
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) August 10, 2024
International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced early Sunday that it would abide by CAS’ ruling and will reallocate the medal to Barbosu, CBS News reported. U.S. Olympic officials revealed plans to challenge this decision.
“Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to help Jordan Chiles receive the recognition she deserves,” the U.S. committee said, CBS News reported. “We remain dedicated to supporting her as an Olympic champion and will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and fairly.”
The controversy began when Team USA coach Cecile Landi filed an appeal outside the allowed one-minute window after scores were posted, seeking a 0.1 increase to Chiles’ score. CAS’ decision to restore the original order now positions Barbosu third, her Romanian teammate Sabrina Maneca-Voinea fourth, and Chiles fifth, ESPN stated. (RELATED: Steph Curry’s Insane Heroics Seal Deal For America In Olympics)
The situation has stirred public reaction. It was previously reported that Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu declared Tuesday that he’s skipping the Paris Olympics closing ceremony, protesting what he views as an unfair scoring decision in women’s gymnastics, according to Fox News.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 05: Jordan Chiles of Team United States competes in the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Floor Exercise Final on day ten of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 05, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
The Romanian Gymnastics Federation had proposed that three bronze medals be awarded to resolve the dispute. This suggestion came amid considerable emotional stress for the athletes involved, especially after Romanian gymnastics icon Nadia Comaneci highlighted the potential mental health impacts on Barbosu, who initially thought she had secured the bronze.
