Jordan Chiles Writes Graceful Message Amid Bronze Medal Scandal: ‘People in Power Will Do the Right Thing’

Olympian Jordan Chiles, who has gained support in recent days, has spoken about how she was stripped of her Olympic bronze medal after the freestyle gymnastics final, and stays hopeful in her fight for justice.

On August 15, the 23-year-old gymnast posted an announcement on Instagram addressing the recent ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). “I am speechless,” Chiles said of the CAS overturned decision. “This decision feels unfair and is a major blow, not only to me, but to everyone who has supported my journey.” Chiles said receiving the news while celebrating her Olympic achievement was devastating, and the incident gave her one among the “hardest moments” of her profession.

As previously reported BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIPChiles was awarded the bronze medal after an investigation that raised her rating and placed her in the winning position, ahead of Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu. However, the athlete was ordered to return the medal after the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee asked for the rating to be reconsidered, a choice that the athlete’s sister called racist.

“I had confidence in the appeal filed by USAG, which presented overwhelming evidence that my result met all the rules,” Chiles said in her Aug. 15 Instagram post, adding that the appeal was “unsuccessful.”

Before her statement, TO BE noted Chiles’ announcement to fans that she could be stepping away from social media amid the controversy that followed the scandal. The athlete, who still holds the gold medal she won together with her U.S. teammates in the women’s gymnastics final at the Paris Games, has maintained her grace despite being bombarded with racist attacks on social media. “I will approach this challenge like I would any other — and I will do my utmost to see that justice is served,” Chiles said.

“I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in power will do the right thing,” Chiles said, promising fans that the controversy won’t cause her to stray from her core values ​​or compete together with her integrity as she continues to strive for excellence, represent her culture and cheer on her peers.

Olympic Games from August 13 confirmed that CAS is just not willing to reconsider its decision because “their rules do not allow for an arbitration award to be reconsidered even after conclusive new evidence is presented.” Chiles’ rating was lowered from 13.766 to 13.666, dropping her to fifth place. USA Gymnastics said it intends to fight for the U.S. gymnast to retain her bronze medal.