Jordan Chiles is caught in an Olympic scoring drama that might deny her a hard-earned bronze medal, but teammate Simone Biles isn't letting her face the turmoil alone.
- Aug 11, 2024
AceShowbiz - Simone Biles has expressed her unwavering support for fellow American gymnast Jordan Chiles following a controversial scoring decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) that has stirred international debate.
Biles, through an Instagram Stories post, sent a heartfelt message to Chiles, saying, "Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!"
The controversy erupted after Chiles, 23, initially finished fifth in the women's floor final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. An inquiry by her coach resulted in her difficulty score being adjusted, pushing her up to third place and earning her the bronze medal.
This, however, led to an appeal by the Romanian team, whose gymnast Ana Barbosu was displaced from the podium. The CAS later ruled that the inquiry was submitted four seconds past the one-minute deadline, reverting Chiles' score back to 13.666 and placing her fifth once again.
The decision has not only shocked the gymnastics community but has also triggered a wave of social media backlash against Chiles. USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee issued a joint statement condemning the attacks and expressing disappointment over the CAS ruling. They affirmed their belief that the inquiry into Chiles' difficulty score was filed in good faith and in accordance with FIG rules to ensure accurate scoring.
"Throughout the appeal process, Jordan has been subject to consistent, utterly baseless and extremely hurtful attacks on social media," the statement read. "No athlete should be subject to such treatment. We condemn the attacks and those who engage, support or instigate them."
Chiles, who also earned a gold medal with Team USA in the women's all-around finals and a silver medal in the women's team final, has decided to take a break from social media for her mental health. "I am taking this time and removing myself from social media for my mental health, thank you," she wrote on her Instagram Stories.
With the final decision regarding the medal now handed over to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the gymnastics world awaits anxiously. Nonetheless, Biles and her teammates, including Suni Lee and Hezly Rivera, continue to rally around Chiles in this tumultuous time, showcasing the powerful bond and solidarity within Team USA.
