Paris Olympics 2024 has taken a dramatic turn despite ending! In a shocking plot twist, Jordan Chiles no longer holds the bronze medal in the floor exercise. Romanian gymnast Ana Maria Barbosu has received the award. Despite Chiles’ counter-appeal, the International Olympic Committee has ruled yet again in favor of Ana. Initially, after the floor exercise, as per the scores, Ana won the bronze medal. But here comes the surprise: Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, appealed to have her initial 5.9 difficulty score increased. The score changed, and Chiles won the bronze. However, the Romanians did not intend to slip away quietly! They filed an appeal on the grounds that Chiles’ coach had made her appeal after the stipulated time limit.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned the appeal, taking into consideration an error in timing the appeal. The ruling saw Chiles drop from third to fifth place. But Chiles does not intend to back down without a fight either. She filed a counter-appeal and submitted it along with video proof. The video proves that the appeal was, in fact, made on time. Despite this, officials upheld the decision to award Ana the medal.

Ana received her medal in a formal ceremony held in Bucharest. Romanian officials, including IOC member Octavian Morariu and Mihai Covaliu, president of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, graced the ceremony. At the ceremony, Ana remarked, “Can’t help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now. It’s a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions.” Ana also added, “I want to believe that the day will come when all three of us will receive a bronze medal each.”

Gratitude aside, this saga is far from over! Chiles took it to Instagram and wrote, “I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful.” She also went on to say, “I will approach this challenge as I have others – and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”

The gymnastics community is speaking out

Much like Jordan Chiles, the gymnastics community has erupted into an avalanche of reactions! The Chiles fandom is actively expressing frustration. One of the X users, reacting to Ana receiving the medal, wrote, “Justice for Jordan.” Another comment read, “BS, only now does she care because she got what she wanted after crying, and whining like a 3-year-old. A stolen medal is what she has; she didn’t earn nothing.” Another user, echoing the same emotion, wrote, “Easy to say nice things when you get your way – wonder what you (Ana) would have said if you didn’t?”

Others have defended Jordan Chiles and Ana Barbosu, pointing out that the real issue is with the officials! “A reminder that the mistakes of FIG officials is the reason why an innocent athlete like @ChilesJordan has faced unprompted racially driven attacks,” one supporter wrote. Many have argued that the governing bodies are to blame, asking them to take responsibility. “Just let them both keep their bronze medal and acknowledge that this is an unprecedented situation caused by FIG’s own failings and the gymnasts should not be penalized for it,” wrote another X user.

There’s, of course, another cohort of fans who have come out in defense of Ana. “She is our beautiful Ana!” wrote a user. Another comment read, “It is NOT Ana’s fault. Don’t blame her for trying to make the best of a situation. BUT, it is FRG’s fault along with CAS, FIG, and IOC. So yeah, don’t bully the gymnast. Make sure your anger is directed where it should be–right onto these organizations. Hold them accountable.”

“Everyone attacking Ana here is just as bad as those attacking Jordan. None of this is on the athletes!! Stop blaming them,” read one of the comments. As the story goes on, fans of both Ana Barbosu and Jordan Chiles are at the edges of their seats. Here’s to hoping that both get the respect and recognition that they both so rightly deserve. The only question left is, What’s going to happen next? Much like Chiles and Ana, the world will have to wait and see.