Jordan Chiles reportedly has ‘no plans’ to return his bronze medal – Essence

On Friday, Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu was formally awarded The bronze medal within the freestyle originally awarded to Jordan Chiles. However, Chiles’ original physical physio medal continues to be in her possession.

This message comes from a report through which two knowledgeable sources, who wish to remain anonymous, revealed that there are currently “no plans” to return the bronze medal she received on August 5 during a historic podium moment for black women’s gymnastics.

In the newest developments regarding Chiles’ medal, the U.S. has filed an appeal against the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s (CAS) decision to strip the gymnast of her medal, with time-stamped video evidence to support the appeal. However, CAS insists its decision is final, saying it cannot reopen the case. As a result, USA Gymnastics has announced plans to take the case to Switzerland’s highest court.

In the meantime, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has given Romania permission (and presumably official equipment) to award Barbosu his own bronze, as Chiles reportedly still has the one in his possession.

“The adjusted FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) ranking is based on the final CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) ruling, which is binding on all parties,” the IOC said in a press release to . “While a challenge to the Swiss Federal Supreme Court is still possible, the CAS ruling is immediately enforceable and Ms. Barbosu is entitled to receive the bronze medal.”

Although the Romanian Gymnastics Federation presented Barbosu with the award during a special ceremony, the organization publicly stressed that their appeal of the choice was never intended to strip Chiles of the medal she won. In their resolution, they requested that Barbosu and Chiles share the bronze medal due to an error in judgment and said USA Gymnastics had agreed to this. However, CAS rejected that option.

“The Federal Republic of Germany never agreed to the withdrawal of the medal,” we read within the statement.

Chiles has not yet commented on the prospect of returning her medal to the IOC, but in her first public statement because the controversy began, she said the IOC’s decision “seems unfair.” However, she expressed confidence that justice could be done regarding her status as a bronze medalist.

“I will approach this challenge as I have any other — and I will do my utmost to see that justice is done,” she wrote. “I trust that at the end of this journey, those in power will do what is right.”