The battle over gymnastics medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics has intensified as USA Gymnastics challenges a recent decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
New Video Evidence
On Sunday, USA Gymnastics presented new video evidence to CAS, arguing that Jordan Chiles should retain her bronze medal in the floor exercise event, according to Digi24. This comes a day after CAS ruled in favor of Romanian gymnast Ana Maria Bărbosu, awarding her the bronze medal instead.
The controversy centers around a dispute over a protest filed by Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi. Landi’s appeal, which contested the scoring, was allegedly submitted after the deadline of one minute.
As a result, Chiles was initially given a score of 13.766, which placed her third, but was later asked to return her medal following the appeal's success.
Protest Made in Time
According to USA Gymnastics, the new video evidence shows that Landi’s initial protest was made 47 seconds after the score was posted, with a subsequent statement made at 55 seconds. This evidence, they claim, was not available to CAS before their initial ruling.
Initially, Chiles had scored 13.666, while Bărbosu received 13.700. The International Gymnastics Federation confirmed on Saturday evening that Bărbosu was awarded the bronze medal as a result of CAS's decision.
The top five rankings are now as follows: 1. Rebeca Andrade (Brazil) – 14.166, 2. Simone Biles (USA) – 14.133, 3. Ana Maria Bărbosu (Romania) – 13.700, 4. Sabrina Voinea (Romania) – 13.700, and 5. Jordan Chiles (USA) – 13.666.
USA Gymnastics hopes that the new evidence will overturn the recent decision and reinstate Chiles as the rightful bronze medalist.
