U.S. Olympic gymnastics great Aly Raisman called the bronze medal controversy surrounding Jordan Chilley “devastating” as the Paris Olympics concluded on Monday.
Chiles may have to give up the bronze medal he won with a third-place finish in the floor exercise. The drama over whether her score of 13.766 should be maintained has drawn the attention of the United States and Romanian Gymnastics Federations.
“It’s really heartbreaking and I feel really bad for Jordan,” Raisman said on NBC’s “Today” show. “I can’t even imagine what this past week has been like for Jordan and the other athletes involved. It’s completely devastating.
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Aly Raisman of the United States wins the bronze medal in the balance beam final at North Greenwich Arena during the 2012 Summer Olympics in London on Tuesday, August 7, 2012. (David Ulett/Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“I think people don’t realize that these gymnasts have worked their whole lives for this moment and this should be a celebration… I think it’s so unfair. It’s so cruel. And I don’t think Jordan should have given her a medal internationally. The Olympic Committee has awarded more than one medal before and I think they should do it now – it’s too bad.
Raisman, who won and lost a medal at the 2012 London Olympics via decision-making, said athletes trust the process and that the rules are fair. She called for more transparency in the future.
“The organizations responsible for this really need to look at the mental health of athletes and how much it affects them and how cruel it is to take away someone’s medal. That’s unfathomable to me.”
After last week’s performance on the floor, Chiles’ score improved from 13.666 to 13.766. She jumped from fifth to third place in the rankings, beating Romania’s Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Mancea-Voinea. The U.S. team launched a last-minute inquiry, causing the score to change.
Simone Biles, Sunie Lee return to Jordan, Chile squad amid Paris Olympics bronze medal controversy
However, Romanian officials protested the change of score and the Center for Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on Saturday that Chile’s score should be restored to 13.666 because the American coach missed the deadline to submit an investigation by four seconds. However, CAS will leave the final decision to the International Gymnastics Federation.
Aly Raisman attends the 13th Annual NFL Honors Awards at Resorts World Theater on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas. (Christopher Polk/Variety via Getty Images)
Ultimately, the International Olympic Committee decided early Sunday that Chiles should have her bronze medal returned. USA Gymnastics says not so fast.
The organization said it now has video evidence showing the coach conducted two inquiries within the allotted time. The CAS decision is currently being appealed.
Babosu blamed the entire disaster on officials.
“Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you. I know how you feel because I have been through the same thing. But I know you will come out stronger,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “I hope from the bottom of my heart that the three of us can be on the same podium at the next Olympics. This is my true dream.
“If those in charge had followed the rules, this situation would not exist. As athletes, we are not to blame and the hatred directed at us is painful. I want to end this Olympics in Paris 2024.” The spirit of Olympism , the true value of the world.
Jordan Chiles of the United States holds her medal after the women’s individual apparatus final in artistic gymnastics at the Bercy Arena at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, Monday, August 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlie Riddell)
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As the drama unfolded, Chiles decided to stop using social media.
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