The 2024 Olympics are officially done, but there’s one bronze medal that’s still hanging in the balance. American gymnast Jordan Chiles initially received that medal. Chiles, who won gold with the US team in Paris, placed third in the floor event finals on August 5. But now, Chiles has found herself in a situation. Olympic officials asking athletes to give their medals back is an uncommon occurrence.

Basically, Chiles (13.66) was beaten by the Romanians (13.7) in the floor final with Anna Barbosu breaking the execution-score tie-breaker. Long story short, Chiles’ coach reported discrepancies including having her difficulty score increased by a tenth. While the bronze was initially awarded in Chiles’ favor after her score was raised, a new development shows that her competitor Sabrina Voinea will now be awarded the Bronze. But what makes her case even more bizarre? Find out from the Olympic gold medalist herself.

Jordan Whiles recently opened up about the ordeal on an episode of Forbes Talks, making a heartbreaking confession about the surprising reaction she received from fans. “People telling me that I pulled the race card and that it was a racial situation. I think it was hard for me to really understand why that was even a question or why that was even a thought because I am just as talented as the other girl as much as she is as talented as I am,” Chiles shared. She initially finished fifth in the floor final on Aug. 5, her 13.66 putting her behind Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea.

Chiles has shared the harrowing details of the controversy that engulfed her Olympic experience and the racism she faced in its aftermath. In her memoir, she revealed some of the vile comments directed at her. One of the comments said, “SNEAKY BLACK give the medal back to the Romanian gymnast… she deserves it.” Another comment said, “This is an example of fake empowerment and inclusivity. What’s the problem with giving the bronze to the Romanian girl who deserved it? Oh yeah, doesn’t fit the agenda of inclusivity and it won’t be BlAcK GiRl MaGic. She is white.”

These remarks highlight the dark side of social media and the extreme scrutiny that athletes, particularly women of color, experience. Chiles’ frank disclosures have created a wider discussion regarding race, and mental health in sports. In the ensuing months, Chiles submitted a formal appeal to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, contesting the CAS ruling. It was not a smooth ride, but she was still determined to battle for what she felt was right and now she is prepared to talk to the world about similar things she had endured in the past as well.

Jordan Chiles recalls a similar medal controversy that happened during her childhood

On the Olympic stage, Jordan Chiles failed to anticipate the déjà vu of having her hard-won floor exercise bronze medal taken away. Astonishingly, this was not the first time someone had stolen a medal from her! Chiles spoke about it on the Casuals with Katie Nolan podcast, where she explained the first time her medal was stripped.

It occurred at one of her initial Level 7 meets in December 2009. The champions were to go to Florida, and Disneyland, and compete as representatives for Region 2 in a meet. Three golds and two silvers secured Chiles as one of the best performers. She even got a plaque declaring her a winner.

But she soon realized that her coach was nowhere around. Seconds later, one of the judges approached and removed the plaque from an 8-year-old Chiles.“I got it stripped away from me because of my skin color. And I wasn’t very welcomed at this competition, and in my eyes, during that time, I was young,” she recalled. The reason behind it? Her then-coach said she couldn’t go. But more disturbingly, Chiles claims her skin color played a role in the decision.

Despite these setbacks, Chiles has continued to rise. The gymnast is back in the NCAA tent with UCLA for the season and has made significant progress. In fact, she has now won her fifth Big Ten Gymnast of the Week award this season. This latest recognition comes shortly after she won the all-around at the Big Four meet on March 2.

From childhood injustices to Olympic scandals, Jordan Chiles has consistently demonstrated that resilience, ability, and determination can conquer even the most daunting challenges. Her tale continues to inspire, reminding the world that she is not only an exceptional gymnast but also a beacon of perseverance in adversity.