Aly Raisman urges Jordan Chiles to keep her Paris Olympics bronze medal as controversy refuses to settle

PARIS, FRANCE: Former Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman is again standing up for her fellow American gymnast Jordan Chiles amid the ongoing controversy surrounding Chiles' bronze medal in the floor exercise at Paris Games.

The controversy over Chiles' bronze medal originated from the floor exercise event where the third-place finish was initially given to Romania's Ana Barbosu.

Following a review request from the United States, Chiles' score was adjusted, allowing her to surpass Barbosu. The medal was initially awarded to Chiles after a successful appeal, but it was later taken away due to a timing dispute.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport recorded the American team's appeal at one minute and four seconds, exceeding the one-minute time limit.

Aly Raisman defends Jordan Chiles amid medal controversy

Aly Raisman, who represented Team USA in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, voiced her support for Jordan Chiles and expressed her disagreement with the Court of Arbitration decision. 

She can empathize with Chiles' situation as Raisman secured the bronze medal on the balance beam at the 2012 London Olympics following a score inquiry by her coach that elevated her from fourth to third place. 

"I am so devastated for her. I hope that things change and she gets to keep her medal because it's not right," Raisman told Us Weekly.

"It's so disappointing to me because I feel like it goes against the integrity of the sport and of the Olympics," she continued. 

Raisman also questioned the evidence that led to the decision saying, "Jordan deserves answers as to what evidence the Court of Arbitration for Sport has."

"It's very confusing to me. It makes no sense. I don't think Jordan should give her medal back," she added, asserting the decision is both "unfair" and "unacceptable."

“This is just so heartbreaking, and I’m just so gutted for Jordan,” she previously told Today. 

USA Gymnastics challenges timing decision in Jordan Chiles' case

The controversy hinges on the timing of the appeal. According to CAS, the American team's appeal was recorded at one minute and four seconds, exceeding the specified window of one minute.

However, USA Gymnastics disputes this, asserting they have evidence proving the appeal was lodged within the time limit at 47 seconds.

Raisman supports USA Gymnastics' stance and insists that protocols are in place to prevent such issues. 

"There's a designated trained official. It's their job to keep the time. They are not allowed to accept the inquiry if it's not under that minute window. They accepted the inquiry, which means that the person who's trained to do that, they saw it was under a minute."

Jordan Chiles vows to fight 'unjust' decision

Jordan Chiles has condemned the decision and the subsequent "racially-driven attacks" she has faced.

"I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey," Chiles said in a lengthy Instagram post a week ago.

"To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I've poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country," she added.

"I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe 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 that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing," she continued in the post.