Controversy Over Jordan Chiles’ Olympic Bronze Medal

USA Gymnastics is protesting an arbitration panel's decision to have gymnast Jordan Chiles return her bronze medal from the Paris Olympics. Despite new evidence, the Court of Arbitration for Sport upheld its ruling, citing a time limit breach. The organization pledges to continue legal avenues to secure the medal for Chiles.

USA Gymnastics officials announced that an arbitration panel won't reconsider its decision requiring gymnast Jordan Chiles to return her bronze medal awarded in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics.

The organization expressed its commitment to continuing efforts to allow Chiles to retain the medal.

In a statement, USA Gymnastics revealed that the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) notified them on Monday that their rules prohibit the reconsideration of an arbitral award, even when new conclusive evidence is presented. 'We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan,' the statement read.

CAS had nullified an on-floor appeal from Chiles' coach, which had raised her to third place, stating the appeal was submitted 4 seconds beyond the one-minute deadline for scoring disputes.

USA Gymnastics disputed the timing, asserting in a Sunday statement that video evidence indicated Team USA coach Cecile Landi filed the appeal 13 seconds before the deadline.

This dispute sets the stage for a potentially prolonged legal battle over the scoring. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) stated Saturday it would abide by the court's decision to elevate Ana Barbosu of Romania to third place. The International Olympic Committee confirmed the ruling on Sunday and announced the reallocation of the medal.

CAS concluded that Landi's inquiry to add 0.1 to Chiles' score was made 1 minute, 4 seconds after her initial score was posted.

The IOC indicated it will coordinate with the USOPC regarding the return of Chiles' bronze medal and with the Romanian Olympic Committee for a reallocation ceremony honoring Barbosu.

The appeal might escalate to Switzerland's highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.

In the competition, Rebeca Andrade of Brazil clinched gold, while Simone Biles of the U.S. took silver.