The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) recently restored Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu to third place in the women’s floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics, potentially leading to a reshuffling of the medals. This decision could force American gymnast Jordan Chiles to return the bronze medal she had won in the event.
While it remains uncertain if Chiles will be required to return the medal, FIG confirmed the original order of finish has been reinstated.
Barbosu now holds the bronze position, her Romanian teammate Sabrina Maneca-Voinea is in fourth, and Chiles is in fifth.
However, the final decision regarding the medal allocation falls to the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The controversy began after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) voided an appeal by Team USA coach Cecile Landi that had initially elevated Chiles to the podium.
CAS ruled that Landi’s appeal to add 0.1 to Chiles’ score was filed 1 minute and 4 seconds after the score was posted—exceeding the one-minute window allowed by FIG.
CAS ordered the original rankings to be restored, placing Barbosu in third.
Despite the restored rankings, the FIG spokesperson emphasized that reallocating medals is the responsibility of the IOC.
The IOC has yet to comment on whether Chiles will need to return her medal.
The Romanian Gymnastics Federation had initially requested that three bronze medals be awarded, but this was not granted.
Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu praised the ruling, stating that “justice has been served.”
The situation has been emotionally taxing for the athletes involved.
Romanian gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci expressed concern for Barbosu’s mental health, as the young gymnast went from bronze medalist to fourth place and back again.
Comaneci also criticized the judges for the way they scored Maneca-Voinea’s routine, urging the Romanian Olympic Committee to protest—an appeal that CAS ultimately denied.
Jordan Chiles hinted at her disappointment on social media, stating that she is heartbroken and temporarily stepping away from social media for her mental health.
Chiles has faced significant backlash online, with some critics demanding she return the medal and others making derogatory remarks.
Barbosu, upon returning to Romania, clarified that she holds no ill will toward Chiles.
She emphasized that the issue lies with the judges and their decisions, not the athletes.
The controversy casts a shadow over what was a heartwarming moment on the medal stand when Chiles and her teammate Simone Biles knelt to honor Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade after her victory.
Unfortunately, this memory is now tinged with complexity and emotional turmoil as the situation unfolds.
UPDATE: On Sunday, the IOC ordered Jordan to return her medal.
Sending love, prayers, and positivity to Jordan Chiles.
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Source: AP News
