Simone Biles has been vocal in her support for Jordan Chiles following the controversy over Chiles’ bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Chiles initially won the bronze medal in the women’s floor exercise final after a successful appeal by her coach Cecile Landi, which adjusted her score.
However, the medal was later stripped due to the appeal being lodged four seconds past the one-minute deadline, as decided by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Romania’s Ana Bărbosu initially came in third in the competition. The Team USA appeal dropped her to fifth. Once the appeal was overruled, the bronze was again awarded to Bărbosu.
Now Biles is demanding “justice” and lamenting the fact that this entire ordeal and decision-making process has been terrible for all of the female gymnasts involved.
“We saw what you (Chiles) did,” Biles told People Magazine. “And it’s an unfortunate circumstance because something like this has never happened before and it’s truly a shame, but we wish all three girls could get the medal and unfortunately in gymnastics that’s not the case.”
“Do we think they did the correct procedures to come to this ruling? No. That’s really why we want that justice for Jordan and why we’re going to keep supporting her and uplifting her.”
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Simone Biles Trying To Uplift Jordan Chiles
Biles has been trying to keep a positive light on Chiles since the controversy, texting with her and sending funny things she finds on social media.
“I did talk to her on one of the days, and I was like, ‘You know what, Jordan, you have to feel all these feels. Don’t let these emotions stop you. This will be the healthiest way to get all of this out,'” she said.
Chiles’ reaction to the bronze medal controversy has indicated somebody distraught over the entire ordeal. She has stepped away from social media due to what she describes as “unprompted racially driven attacks” regarding the controversy.
Biles wants her to feel the love and know that “she still has that support all-around.”
Chiles Holding Onto That Medal
Despite a ruling that has been defined as “final”, Jordan Chiles reportedly has no intention of returning her bronze medal for the floor routine any time soon.
USA Today reporter Christine Brennan cites multiple sources who indicate Chiles still has the medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics in her possession.
Prior to the bronze medal drama unfolding, Chiles won gold in the team competition. She also has a silver from the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
She has called the decision to award the Romanian gymnast, who is trying to get her first Olympic medal with the bronze, “unjust”.
“I have no words,” Chiles said. “This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.”
Why the IOC doesn’t just end the controversy by awarding both women the bronze is beyond comprehension. Then both Chiles and Bărbosu would have ‘justice’.
