Can winning an Olympic medal be a fluke? Well, it certainly cannot. For athletes, it takes years of hard work and honing their craft to make a mark on the grandest stage of them all. But after the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise finals, an ‘unfair play’ debate has sparked. And unfortunately, Team USA’s Jordan Chiles has been on the receiving end. After her changed scores sprung her up to the bronze spot, the Romanian gymnasts, Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Voinea returned crestfallen from the Arena.

However, it’s not limited to criticism anymore, as things have taken an ugly turn. Jordan Chiles is being subjected to racial remarks by a few, which has led her mother, Gina Chiles to break her silence. Taking to X, the gymnast’s mother pens, “The racist disgusting comments are still happening in 2024. I’m tired of people who say it no longer exists. My daughter is a highly decorated Olympian with the biggest heart and a level of sportsmanship that is unmatched…and she’s being called disgusting things.”

Chiles had made an inquiry in the final, which was approved. Thus her score was elevated to 13.766, from a C- start value to a D. However, both the Romanian gymnasts remained tied at a 13.700. Post which, there were many who accused her of ‘robbing‘ the other contenders of a medal. Even Nadia Comaneci posted the video of Sabrina’s routine, wherein a zoomed in shot shows how her heel was within the mat. And as per Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the International Gymnastics Federation may have to revisit the same, given how requests are pouring in.

But, now it seems that the horror of Jordan Chiles’ past might be re-appearing. While the bronze medalist, who is facing this at the forefront has been silent yet, she seemingly appears to be in low spirits. Taking to her Instagram, Chiles recently added 4 broken heart emojis, ‘ 💔💔💔💔’ against a black backdrop. This raises an air of speculation that the gymnast is deeply anguished by all that’s ongoing.

Well, why not? There was a point in her career, when she wanted to be done with gymnastics due to the judgement that came in for her.  She had even mentioned how she did not think that people wanted to see “this beautiful Black girl in a [leotard] anymore.” Unfortunately, with this fiasco unfolding, she is now being subjected to racial disgust again, per her mother. However, was she quiet before this? Well, no. Team Jordan has been hitting back strongly.

Jordan Chiles and Co. respond back

Taking to X post her victory, Chiles left a cryptic remark. She said, “It’s funny how people can still never be happy for someone…” It felt like just hours before she was basking in the joy of her feat. To an extent that she teared up, overwhelmed with emotions, as Simone Biles and Cecile Landi ran to hug her. Also Chiles had mentioned how her enthusiasm had been so high that she lost her voice by cheering too loud. She said, “Losing my voice means everything, because it takes a while for me to do that. I’m proud of each and every one of these girls, and especially myself.”

Indeed, the post victory atmosphere for her was shrouded by an influx of negativity. But, she had her pillars of strength take a stand for her. Landi said, “You don’t have to like it, but you do have to respect the outcome and, more importantly, respect Jordan. She EARNED that bronze medal, her 1st individual Olympic medal and I couldn’t be more proud and excited!” 

The way things were escalating, even Gina Chiles jumped in to comment. Seeing things go out of hand, she had written, “Why be messy towards an athlete who literally supports every single person. Icons commenting stirring fans as if Jordan herself made the rules. She won the medal and others were devastated. Gymnastics is hard. Let her CELEBRATE! Sad and hurtful” And now, she has once again jumped in to shun the naysayers. Do you think Jordan Chiles will speak up too? Lets us know what you feel below.