Following the submission of a score inquiry, Team USA Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles jumped from fifth to third place in the gymnastics floor finals on August 5th. After a recent rules appeal, however, the bronze medal has since been re-awarded to Romanian athlete Ana Bărbosu.
Why it Matters:
The change from Chiles to Bărbosu taking bronze in the event nulls a history-making top three for the event. Prior to the change, Brazilian athlete Rebeca Andrade and US teammate Simone Biles joined Chiles to form the first ever all Black podium for Olympic gymnastics.
In an interview with olympics.com, Biles shared that the athletes cherished their moment on the podium together. “We knew how special it would be,” Biles said. “And we knew the impact that it would make on all the little girls around the world that are trying to do what we’re doing, just for them to know that it’s possible.”
Key Points:
- When Chiles first completed her routine at the floor final, the judges did not factor one of her skills into her score, leaving her in fifth place. However, a score inquiry submitted by her coach added a tenth of a point to her overall score, boosting her to a third place finish.
- Romanian Olympic officials contested this inquiry and on Saturday, August 10, Chiles’ score was officially reverted back to its original standing, placing her back in fifth place.
- Athletes competing in the last slot of the competition, as Chiles was, have only one minute to submit a score inquiry after an athlete’s score is posted. According to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, the inquiry submitted by Chiles’ coach was submitted four seconds past the deadline.
Broader View:
- Video evidence submitted after the ruling shows that Chiles’ inquiries were made twice, 47 and 55 seconds after her score was posted. However, the CAS is firm in its ruling, stating that its rules do not allow final decisions to be reconsidered.
- Romanian Olympic officials requested that the CAS allocate a shared bronze medal to Chiles, Bărbosu, and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea—Romanian teammate of Bărbosu whose score is also in contention—but the request was denied.
