Jordan Chiles, the talented 23-year-old gymnast, is on a determined quest to reclaim her Olympic bronze medal, which was controversially stripped following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. In a recent interview on NBC’s “TODAY” show, Chiles expressed her frustration and disappointment, stating, “That bronze medal was given to me in the right way.” This statement underscores her belief that the ruling against her was unjust.
The controversy surrounding the medal
Chiles originally finished fifth in the floor exercise event during the Olympics, but her coach, Cecile Landi, identified a significant error in the judges’ evaluation of her routine’s difficulty. After a correction was made, Chiles was elevated to third place, which would have awarded her the bronze medal. However, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) upheld a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which stated that Landi’s protest was submitted 64 seconds after the scores were posted, exceeding the one-minute deadline by four seconds.
Despite this ruling, Chiles and her legal team argue that video evidence shows the inquiry call was made within the appropriate time frame. This has led to a legal battle, with Chiles filing an appeal to Switzerland’s Supreme Court to overturn the decision that cost her the medal.
Chiles’ emotional journey
In her interview, Chiles described the aftermath of the Olympics as a challenging period. She stated, “It’s hard to tell yourself everything is going to be fine when we literally didn’t do anything wrong.” This sentiment reflects the emotional toll the situation has taken on her, as she grapples with the implications of the ruling while still holding onto the physical medal.
Chiles also faced racist criticism online following the dispute, which she has bravely addressed. Her mixed heritage — her father is Black and her mother is Latina — adds another layer to her experience as she navigates the complexities of race and representation in sports.
The significance of the medal
During the interview, NBC’s Hoda Kotb asked Chiles why this particular medal holds such significance for her, especially since she has other accolades, including a team gold from the Paris Games and a bronze from Tokyo. Chiles explained, “It was like a cherry on top. My redemption tour going into Paris was ‘Yes.’ Coming back with a gold, coming back with the understanding that I was able to go out there and be the best version of myself.”
She emphasized the historical importance of the event, noting that it featured an all-Black podium, marking a significant moment in Olympic history. Chiles expressed pride in being part of this groundbreaking achievement.
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges she faces, Chiles remains optimistic about her future. She views this situation as a hurdle to overcome rather than a defining moment. “I’ll be able to overcome this. And I’ll be able to look back and say, ‘You know what? That was just a portion of my story, but it’s the truth,’” she stated, showcasing her resilience and determination.
As for her future in gymnastics, Chiles is contemplating the possibility of competing in the Los Angeles Summer Olympics in 2028. She remarked, “L.A. is in and out of my mind. I think right now, I’m just trying to take in what’s happened from Paris and just take it day by day.” This reflects her focus on healing and processing her experiences before making any decisions about her athletic career.
