The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has denied USA Gymnastics' request to reconsider its ruling over Jordan Chiles' bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics floor exercise. The federation had submitted video evidence disputing CAS's decision to revert Chiles' score to 13.666, dropping her from third to fifth place.
USA Gymnastics has suffered a setback in its efforts to overturn the Court of Arbitration for Sport's (CAS) decision regarding Jordan Chiles' bronze medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics floor exercise.
USA Gymnastics' Appeal Denied Over Chiles' Bronze Medal Dispute
CAS ruled last Saturday that Chiles' score should be lowered from 13.766 to 13.666 after an inquiry by U.S. coaches was made four seconds too late. USA Gymnastics appealed the decision, claiming to have video evidence proving that the coaches made two inquiries within the allotted time frame.
However, CAS has now denied USA Gymnastics' request to reconsider the ruling. The federation was informed on Monday that the CAS rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered, even if new evidence is presented.
USA Gymnastics' Appeal Denied Over Chiles' Bronze Medal Dispute
USA Gymnastics expressed deep disappointment over the decision, stating that it will continue to pursue all possible avenues and appeal processes, including an appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal. The federation remains determined to ensure a just scoring, placement, and medal award for Chiles.
Romania's Ana Barbosu, who moved up to third place after Chiles' score adjustment, has blamed officials for the controversial situation. She expressed sympathy for Chiles, acknowledging that she had endured similar experiences. Barbosu emphasized the importance of respecting regulations and avoiding blame against athletes.
USA Gymnastics' Appeal Denied Over Chiles' Bronze Medal Dispute
After CAS's ruling, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Sunday that Chiles would have to surrender her bronze medal. USA Gymnastics initially contested the decision, but later acknowledged that CAS had the final authority over the matter.
CAS had initially left the decision on whether to award the bronze medal to Barbosu in the hands of the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). However, the FIG declined to make a further determination, deferring to CAS's decision.
The controversy has sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many criticizing the handling of the situation. USA Gymnast Simone Biles has expressed support for Chiles, expressing her belief that she deserved to keep her medal.
The loss of the bronze medal is a significant setback for Chiles, who had an impressive performance in the floor exercise. It remains to be seen how the controversy will affect her future competitive prospects.
USA Gymnastics has indicated that it will continue to pursue legal options to overturn CAS's decision. The outcome of the appeal process will determine the ultimate fate of Chiles' medal.
