Jordan Chiles, the Team USA and UCLA gymnast who was ordered to return her Olympic bronze medal, has broken her silence after an attempt to appeal was rejected.
The International Olympic Committee stripped the medal from Chiles on Saturday, claiming that a coach’s appeal of her score, which boosted her from fifth to third in the women’s individual floor exercise, came 4 seconds after the imposed deadline of 60 seconds after scores are revealed.
The decision was appealed by American organizations but the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that it could not reconsider, even in light of new video evidence to support Chiles’ claim for bronze.
Chiles had been silent about the stripping of her medal but issued a statement Thursday to her social media accounts. She thanked fans for their support and expressed shock that the appeal was rejected.
“I have no words,” Chiles said in part. “This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.”
She called this moment one of the most challenging of her career, but said she’ll “make every effort to ensure that justice is done.”
In the lengthy statement, Chiles also expressed disappointment at some fan reaction.
“To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful,” Chiles said. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”
After the ruling was issued on Monday, USA Gymnastics said “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.”
Chiles took home a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics as a member of the U.S. women’s gymnastics squad, which won the all-around team event.