USA Olympic officials are contesting a recent Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that requires American gymnast Jordan Chiles to return the bronze medal she won in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics.
“We firmly believe that Jordan rightfully earned the bronze medal, and there were critical errors in both the initial scoring by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the subsequent CAS appeal process that need to be addressed,” the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) statement said.
The CAS decision, which came after an appeal by Chiles' coach was annulled, cites that the appeal was allegedly made four seconds past the one-minute deadline allowed for scoring inquiries.
USA Gymnastics disputes the CAS ruling, arguing that the timing was incorrect. They have provided video evidence showing that coach Cecile Landi initiated the appeal 13 seconds before the one-minute deadline expired.
“The time-stamped, video evidence submitted by USA Gymnastics Sunday evening shows Landi first stated her request to file an inquiry at the inquiry table 47 seconds after the score is posted, followed by a second statement 55 seconds after the score was originally posted.”
The evidence indicates that Landi first stated her request 47 seconds after the score was posted and followed up 55 seconds after the score was originally posted.
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has indicated its intent to comply with the CAS decision, which mandates adjusting the competition results.
As a result, Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu will be elevated to third place, and Chiles will be demoted to fifth.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed on Sunday that it would reallocate the bronze medal from Monday’s final and would engage with the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) regarding the return of Chiles' medal.
The USOPC criticized the initial scoring by FIG and the CAS appeal process, arguing that the USOPC was not given adequate time or notice to challenge the decision effectively.
The USOPC is considering appealing the ruling, with potential options being Switzerland's highest court, the Swiss Tribunal, or the European Court of Human Rights.
The CAS ruling has directed that the initial finishing order be restored, placing Barbosu third, Romanian gymnast Sabrina Maneca-Voinea fourth, and Chiles fifth. The IOC has affirmed its intention to respect FIG's decision and proceed with the medal reallocation.
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