Jordan Chiles’ world took a dramatic turn from elation to despair. After winning her first individual Olympic medal—a bronze—she initially thought she had missed out entirely when she was placed fifth. But Jordan Chiles’s coach, Cecile Landi, inquired about Chiles’ difficulty score, arguing she did not get full credit for a leap that required her to complete a 540-degree turn in the air.
This inquiry led to a crucial adjustment: a tenth of a point was added to her final score, lifting her to the podium. The eruption of joy that followed was palpable as well, bringing her score from 13.666. Jordan was also seen celebrating with her teammate Simone Biles, sharing a moment that was as sweet as honey and as heartfelt as it gets. But how did she get this score up?
The crucial moment came with the Gogean, a split leap with a 1.5-turn, which the judges had initially overlooked. Meanwhile, Ana Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea finished the floor final in Paris with identical scores of 13.700, leaving them out of the medals. Barbosa, believing she had secured bronze over Maneca-Voinea due to a higher execution score, began celebrating with a Romanian flag. However, when Chiles’ score was adjusted, adding a crucial tenth of a point, Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea’s hopes were dashed, leaving them heartbroken. Now, the tables have turned, and it is Jordan Chiles’s moment of disappointment.
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On August 10, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation announced that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) had ruled the bronze medal should be returned to Ana Barbosu. This decision came after Tom Schad of USA Today reported that CAS found Jordan Chiles’ late inquiry—submitted after a one-minute deadline—was improperly granted. The final decision on rankings is now pending from the FIG.
Amidst the turmoil, Chiles has taken to Instagram to announce a break from social media for her mental health, expressing, “I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health thankyou“. Clearly, this break is much needed. However, when Chiles was announced as the bronze medalist, she faced significant backlash.
Despite the backlash, Chiles responded with defiance, stating, “It’s funny how people can still never be happy for someone…” However, the situation took a new turn as the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that Chiles might have to return the bronze medal she won at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The court determined that the inquiry that led to Chiles’ score adjustment was improperly granted, as it was submitted past the one-minute deadline for such requests. As a result, Chiles’ score was reverted, and Ana Barbosu is set to receive the bronze medal. Amidst the unfolding drama, Chiles appears to be following Simone Biles’ mantra of prioritizing mental health during challenging times.
Simone Biles battled the storm and defended her legacy again!
Following her Tokyo 2021 exit due to the twisties, Simone Biles faced significant backlash. Critics labeled her as “selfish” and even suggested she needed “a nice kick in the arse,” while British TV host Piers Morgan accused her of letting down her teammates. Some went so far as to call her a “quitter.” Despite the criticism, Biles remained focused on showcasing her strength.
Her perseverance paid off as she made a triumphant return at the U.S. Classics 2023 and continued her winning streak, including success in Paris. In the face of ongoing criticism, Biles took to Instagram to address then, her detractors, asserting her position and resilience.
She asserted, “The word quitter is not in my vocabulary,” and reflected on her experience, saying, “Definitely not the way I planned the Olympics going but I wouldn’t change anything for the world.” Biles emphasized that her past accomplishments and resilience are what define her, noting, “I’m proud of myself and the career I’ve had thus far. This Olympics doesn’t erase the past accomplishments I’ve achieved nor does it define who I am as an athlete.”
She concluded with a powerful statement, “For some of you, that may be how you define me but keep talking because I can’t hear you over my seven Olympic medals which tied me for the most decorated gymnast EVER as well as the most decorated American gymnast.” Her response highlights the importance of maintaining mental strength amidst criticism, a quality Jordan Chiles is now also exemplifying.
Debate
Is Jordan Chiles' withdrawal from the Paris Olympics a sign of strength or a missed opportunity?