'It’s about my skin color': Jordan Chiles speaks out after being stripped of Olympic bronze medal

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: US gymnast Jordan Chiles opened up about the emotional toll of the controversial bronze medal incident at the 2024 Paris Olympics during the Forbes Power Women’s Summit on 11 September 2024, Wednesday, as reported by the New York Post.

Fighting back tears, Chiles expressed feelings of abandonment after being stripped of her medal following a back-and-forth with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Olympic Gymnast Jordan Chiles in tears over Paris bronze medal controversy 

Jordan Chiles initially placed fifth in the floor exercise final but was bumped up to third after a Team USA inquiry led to a score adjustment. However, the CAS later ruled that the inquiry had been submitted too late, forcing Chiles to return her bronze medal. The Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu was then awarded the third-place finish.

During her speech, Chiles revealed how the ordeal left her feeling isolated and stripped of recognition.

“The biggest thing that was taken from me was that it was the recognition of who I was, not just my sport, but the person I am,” Chiles said.

“To me, everything that has gone on, it’s not about the medal, it’s about my skin color. It’s about the fact that there were things that have led up to this position of being an athlete, and I felt like everything has been stripped.”

In her second Olympic appearance, Chiles completed the floor exercise final on August 5 with a score of 13.666. Romanian gymnasts Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea both scored 13.700, with Barbosu achieving a higher execution score of 8.000.

After a score review, Chiles ended up with 13.766, earning a podium finish behind Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, who took gold, and her teammate Simone Biles, who claimed silver.

Chiles compared the emotional impact of this controversy to a difficult period in 2018 when she lost her love for gymnastics due to an abusive coaching experience.

“I felt like when I was back in 2018 where I did lose the love of the sport, I lost it again,” she said. “I just feel like there wasn’t a lot of people supporting me who I thought could support me in that situation, could help me and I didn’t feel like it, I felt like I was really left in the dark.”

Chiles reflected on a period six years earlier when she was "facing emotional and verbal abuse" from a coach.

"I didn't have the ability to use my voice or be heard," she continued. "And that is one thing that I feel like now, in this instance of being in this situation, that I wasn't able to be heard."

Despite everything she's been through, Chiles remains optimistic about what lies ahead.

"I made history, and I will always continue to make history," she noted, "and something that I rightfully did. I followed the rules. My coach followed the rules. We did everything that was totally, completely right."

She continued, "I do cry, I do get mad, I do have emotions. But also understanding that yes, I am a two-time Olympic champion. I am a two-time Olympian. I am a world champion. I am all those things."

No matter what happens in her career, she's confident those achievements will always be part of her.

"I'm going to shine bright, because the star is never gonna get dimmed," she added, "and I'm always just gonna keep walking forward."

Jordan Chiles' breakdown over Olympic Medal dispute sparks waves of online reactions

The controversy surrounding US gymnast Jordan Chiles' loss of her Olympic bronze medal has stirred strong reactions across social media. After Chiles expressed her emotional turmoil and feelings of being "left in the dark" during the Forbes Power Women’s Summit, many fans rallied behind her, while others offered more critical views.

One user commented, "I know This News is Devastating n I feel U! Take it from one of Many Who Will Always Believe U R a True Olympic Champion n a Gold Medal Winner from Us All !" 

Another added, "When a mistake like this is made, they should just make them co bronze medalists. It was no ones fault and they both deserve it."

However, not all reactions were sympathetic. "How sad that she believes this is about her color. Maybe it was just a ruling against the US or even the correct ruling. Stop being a victim," another user posted.

Another user stated, "I might believe it except there’s that little thing that Simone has the same color skin."

"You protested, won it, and got the medal. They protested, and their protest was upheld, making you return the medal. Both of you followed procedure. Grow up," one user remarked.

Amid the mixed reactions, another supporter highlighted the injustice they felt Chiles experienced, writing, "The way Jordan Chiles was treated is a disgrace. Stripping her of the bronze medal, especially after following the rules, feels unjust. It’s no wonder she feels like her voice and recognition were taken away. This situation highlights deeper issues."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.