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In an unprecedented reveal, gymnast Jordan Chiles has shared the harrowing details of a controversy that engulfed her Olympic experience and the subsequent racism she faced. The incident, which centers around her performance at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, continues to spark heated debates and widespread discussions.
During the women's floor exercise final, Chiles delivered a powerful routine that initially placed her fifth with a score of 13.666. However, after Team USA's coaches submitted a score inquiry, the judges accepted their argument, adding 0.1 to her score and bumping her to 13.766, enough to secure the bronze medal. This decision temporarily dethroned Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, who had initially been awarded the bronze.
Shortly after, Barbosu appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which ruled that the inquiry was raised after the one-minute deadline, thus reinstating her original score and stripping Chiles of her medal. The emotional rollercoaster of the ceremony saw Chiles fighting back tears as she handed over the bronze medal.
In the months following the event, Chiles filed a formal appeal with the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland, challenging the CAS decision. It was not easy for her to end up with the win.
Another challenging moment for her
Beyond the legal battles, the backlash Chiles faced was not merely criticism-it was brutal, personal, and laced with racism. In her memoir, she exposed some of the vile comments directed at her, including: "SNEAKY BLACK give the medal back to the Romanian gymnast... she deserves it."
Another demeaning remark, under a photo of the all-Black podium, stated, "This is an example of fake empowerment and inclusivity. What's the problem with giving the bronze to the Romanian girl who deserved it? Oh yeah, doesn't fit the agenda of inclusivity and it won't be BlAcK GiRl MaGic. She is white."
These comments highlight the disturbing underbelly of social media and the intense scrutiny athletes face, especially women of color. Chiles' candid revelations have opened a broader conversation about the intersection of race, sports, and mental health.
The gymnastics community has rallied around Chiles, and her resilience in the face of such adversity is a testament to her strength and determination. As she continues to navigate these challenging times, her story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing fight against racism and the need for unwavering for athletes' mental health. She has gone too far to give up now.