The latest turn in the Olympic medal controversy involving gymnast Jordan Chiles did not go Team USA’s way. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) denied USA Gymnastics’ (USAG) appeal of its ruling that Chiles take fifth place in the individual floor exercise final and must return her bronze medal.
Chiles had initially scored a 13.666 for fifth place, but after an inquiry, she was bumped to 13.766 and into third place. As the Paris Olympics wrapped up, the Romanian gymnastics federation appealed. The CAS said it found Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, had requested the review after the one minute deadline to do so expired.
Over the weekend, the USAG sent Olympic officials what it called time-stamped video evidence that showed Landi requested the inquiry of Chiles’ score within the one minute mark. The organization said Chiles should be able to keep the bronze medal that was awarded to her following the score change.
However, the USAG later released a statement on Monday, Aug. 12, saying the CAS would not reconsider its ruling to strip Chiles of the medal. According to CAS rules, it does not allow for final decisions to be reconsidered despite “conclusive new evidence” being presented.
But the twists continue as this saga may not be over just yet.
“We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement and medal award for Jordan,” USA Gymnastics said.
