sThe 2024 Olympics were one for the ages. Whether it be record-breaking performances or making statements, Paris had it all. Amongst all this gymnastics was having a special moment for itself as well. In a testament for future generations, on August 5, the podium saw a top-three line-up of women of color for the floor exercise event. Taking the gold was Brazil’s own Rebeca Andrade, while Americans Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles took the silver and bronze. But for Chiles, this was something much more special.

As the three champions graced the pedestal, they embraced their win with a perfect showdown of camaraderie, mutual respect and admiration. Biles and Chiles bowed to Andrade as she raised her fists in celebration. It was indeed a special moment for the three girls. However, for Chiles, the experience carried an even deeper meaning.

In a recent conversation with Time alongside NBA MVP A’Ja Wilson, Chiles shared her unfiltered thoughts. Going down memory lane, the UCLA Bruins sensation herself shared how, from a young age, she idolized both Biles and Andrade. She has been inspired by their unique journeys in the sport. And, after years, the 23-year-old had the chance to stand alongside them as an Olympic medalist herself.

Reflecting on the moment, Chiles shared, “Having two icons, two legends that you looked up to ever since you were younger, and you’re on that podium with them, it just makes it more memorable.” As the youngest of the trio, it was no doubt an exhilarating moment for Chiles to be making history along with her icons. But that’s not all. Chiles was also livid about how much more diverse the gymnastics scene is today.

Talking about diversity, she mentions, “The diversity in our sport has obviously changed a lot,” she noted. Chiles further added, “Knowing there weren’t a lot of women of color when I was younger, and knowing that I can help that—and I’ve been helping that—is really cool.” It seems despite her youth, Chiles has much more clarity about the current condition of her sport than many give her credit for.

Chiles is also hopeful that this moment will pave the way for future generations to compete. She stated, “That all-Black podium was just the beginning of something that will hopefully continue, not just within our sport but within sports in general.” But beyond the greater significance of this event, she also mentions her own happiness to stand there.

She mentions, “It’s always going to be in history books, no matter what, and I really appreciate knowing that I was a part of that.” But while she was part of one historic moment, she also had her fair share of heartbreaks in the city of love. And no, we don’t mean no boy broke her heart. It was the Romanians.

Jordan Chiles’s heartbreaking medal reversal: from Olympic podium to controversy

Jordan had it all going for her. She had finally landed her hands on individual glory at the grandest stage. Until it was taken away from her in a whirlwind of appeals and arbitration. What should’ve been her clinching the bronze in floor exercise instead turned out to be a heartbreak when her medal was handed to Romania’s Ana Barbosu following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The controversy erupted when U.S. coach Cecile Landi successfully challenged her’ initial score of 13.666, raising it to 13.766. And this secured Chiles the third place. However, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation countered, arguing that the inquiry had been submitted after the one-minute deadline. The CAS ultimately sided with Romania, ruling Jordan’s inquiry invalid. This led to Ana getting her bronze back.

USA Gymnastics didn’t take it sitting down though. They made the statement that “Their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented.” Despite USA Gymnastics presenting time-stamped video evidence claiming the appeal was made within the deadline, CAS refused to reconsider.

The FIG subsequently confirmed the ruling, erasing Chiles from the podium. The fallout has left USA Gymnastics “profoundly disappointed,” while both Chiles and Barbosu took social media breaks amid the intense backlash. The saga brought out the brutal nature of the Olympics, where medals can be won and lost in just mere moments!

Although Chile’s dream was shattered as she had to lose her Olympic bronze to the Romanian star, she stayed true to her ambitions and is now ruling the mat for her college team. However, despite the setback, the three athletes proved that gymnastics as a game belongs to all and goes beyond all boundaries.