(KTLA) — American gymnast Jordan Chiles said she is facing “one of the most challenging moments” in her career after being ordered to return the bronze medal she won in the floor exercise at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Chiles released a statement on Thursday expressing her disappointment three days after an international sporting court rejected an appeal to return the medal to her.
“I have no words,” Chiles wrote. “This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.”
After Chiles finished her floor routine in the final, she was awarded a score of 13.666, placing her fifth behind Romania’s Ana Bǎrbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who tied at 13.700.
Team USA coach Cecile Landi appealed to the judges to restore an element in Chiles’ routine, which was approved and raised her score by 0.1, earning her a bronze medal.
But the Romanian Gymnastics Federation requested a review of the decision. The Court of Arbitration for Sport found that Landi’s appeal was made 4 seconds past the 1-minute deadline, which meant Chiles would have to return her medal.
USA Gymnastics (USAG) then appealed the reversal; however, the court ruled that it could not reconsider, even in light of new video evidence to support Chiles’ claim for bronze.
“I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules,” Chiles wrote. “I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many. I will approach this challenge as I have others — and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.”
Chiles had been silent about the stripping of her medal until Thursday. In her newly released statement, the 23-year-old also thanked fans for their support.
“I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, USAG, and the USOPC for their unwavering support during this difficult time,” she wrote.
After the ruling was issued on Monday, USA Gymnastics said it will keep fighting for Chiles.
“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,” the organization said in a statement.
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.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.