Gymnast Jordan Chiles sobs on stage, revealing the deep emotional toll of losing her Olympic bronze medal amidst racial tensions.
American gymnast Jordan Chiles was overcome with emotion during her first interview about the controversial retraction of her Olympic bronze medal. The 23-year-old athlete, known affectionately as “Chick,” struggled to hold back tears while discussing the impact of the decision and the racial undertones she believes influenced the outcome.
Chiles won the bronze medal in the women’s floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics, but the victory was marred by controversy. After Chiles completed her routine, she initially finished behind Romania’s Ana Barbosu. However, following a review requested by American coaches, Chiles’s score was adjusted, elevating her to third place. This decision sparked backlash from Romanian supporters and led to a heated dispute.
The situation took another turn when the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that Chiles’s appeal had been submitted past the one-minute deadline. Consequently, her score was revised, and she was moved back to fifth place. On August 11, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) mandated that Chiles return the bronze medal, leading to further frustration and emotional distress for the gymnast.During a panel at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit 2024, Chiles shared her feelings about the ordeal.
Tearfully, she explained, “To me, everything that has gone on is not about the medal, it’s about, you know, my skin color.”
Her statement underscores her belief that the controversy is deeply intertwined with racial issues.
Earlier in August, Chiles had voiced similar concerns on social media, accusing critics of launching racially motivated attacks against her. The bronze medal win was significant as it marked the first time in Olympic history that the women’s gymnastics podium featured three Black athletes. Despite this milestone, Chiles has faced intense scrutiny and negativity.
Chiles’s emotional response also drew comparisons to a previous low point in her career. In 2018, shortly after making her senior international debut, Chiles struggled with the sport due to an abusive coach. She described feeling a loss of passion for gymnastics, exacerbated by verbal and emotional abuse from the coach, which she has previously detailed on “Peace of Mind with Taraji.”
Chiles’s previous coach had been accused of harshly criticizing her appearance and diet, contributing to her decision to switch trainers to the World Gymnastics Centre in Texas, owned by Simone Biles’s family. Despite this shift, the recent medal controversy has reignited her emotional struggles.
Now, Chiles remains adamant that the bronze medal is rightfully hers. “I made history and I will always continue to make history,” she stated. “I followed the rules, my coach followed the rules, we did everything that was totally and completely right.”
Following the IOC’s decision, Chiles and her team have expressed no intention of returning the medal and are actively appealing the ruling. Simone Biles, a prominent figure in gymnastics, has joined Chiles in challenging the IOC’s decision, supporting the effort to reinstate Chiles as the third-place finisher.
As the debate continues, Chiles’s story has brought attention to broader issues of racial dynamics in sports and the emotional toll of competitive gymnastics. Her experience highlights the intersection of athletic achievement and social justice, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and support for athletes facing discrimination.
Jordan Chiles’s heartfelt remarks and ongoing battle to reclaim her Olympic bronze medal reflect the complex challenges faced by athletes of color. Her resilience in the face of adversity serves as a powerful reminder of the broader struggles within the sports community and the importance of addressing racial inequalities.
