Romanian gymnast Ana Bårbosu is preparing to join the National Collegiate Athletic Association of the prestigious Stanford University. And it has caused quite a stir among coaches and fans of gymnastics around the world. The Romanian is an exceptional talent which she has shown at the Paris Olympic when she went head-to-head with the great Jordan Chiles. This rivalry with the bronze medalist and this upcoming transfer are both major milestones in her career.

Although certain people are saying that Team Romania might suffer a significant loss, the head coach, Corina Moroșan Haljoni, counters the argument. She emphasizes that such a transfer doesn’t mean a defection. Instead, it is a strategic move for Ana Bårbosu to hone her skills. Bărbosu is getting ready to embark on her collegiate career and tread the boards with her Olympic rival Chiles. And Barbosu’s coach has her take on this shift.

In an interview with Euro News Romania, Barbosu’s coach said, “No, Romania definitely won’t lose Ana. If you ask me, Ana might come back ten times stronger from there. Because a university championship, where she will represent Stanford University, is a draconian program.” So, it’s clear that Barbosu is shifting to Stanford to improve her skills and will also complete her degree side by side. What does Barbosu take on the shift?

Ana Barbosu said, “Many reactions on the internet are exaggerated, and I think that’s where it could only appear. It’s impossible for me to compete for the American team. Because once I participate in the Romanian team, I will stay here. It’s also about nationality. I’m Romanian from both parents. I don’t even think there would be an option through which I could compete for the American team, nor is there this desire in the first place.” 

Ana’s talent is undeniable as only 4% applicants are accepted to the renowned Stanford. Ana acknowledges her excitement, saying, “I will compete for Stanford University in inter-university competitions. But internationally, I will also compete for the Romanian team.” Ana Barbosu continues to be in the limelight since he won the Paris Olympics medal over Jordan Chiles.

Jordan Chiles and Ana Barbosu Paris Controversy

Ana Barbosu won her career’s first Olympic medal at Paris 2024. But it was shrouded in controversy. Initially, the medal was given to Ana Chiles, but later it was moved to her rival Jordan Chiles. Why did that happen? Even though Jordan Chiles originally scored 13.666, and Ana Barbosu’s score was 13.700?

Well, a score recalculation happened due to which Jordan Chiles, who was at a fifth place for floor performance, was promoted to Bronze. Regarding the momentous occasion, she remarked, “It was an all-Black podium; that was history made.” But her happiness didn’t last long, and soon it was discovered that Chiles’ coach was late to appear for the recalculation.

That’s when Chiles’s medal slipped away from her hands and it was given to her counterpart Barbosu as the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ordered. Though later, Jordan Chiles appealed to the Swiss Federal Tribunal (SFT), but to her surprise, the tribunal didn’t reconsider Chiles’ appeal.

And now with an Olympic medal in tow, Ana is heading to US. She will be looking forward to honing her skills. And the fans will be waiting to see how this new rivalry unfolds. Does Jordan Chiles hold anything against Ana due to this medal fiasco? Only the upcoming meets know.