In response to the International Olympic Committee demanding American gymnast Jordan Chiles return her bronze medal, both U.S. Olympic officials and the internet said they ain’t having it.
The IOC confirmed in a statement on this weekend that the court aims to transfer the bronze medal to Romania’s Ana Barbosu, who was previously deemed fourth during the event. Following the late overturn, which ruled U.S. coach Cecile Landi’s appeal to have Chiles’ score adjusted came four seconds too late of the scores being posted, the gymnast received an outpour of support from numerous internet users across the globe who believe she got robbed.
Some argued the situation was a jinx because Chiles was scheduled to perform her floor routine last based on a wocky system by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). Chiles was the last athlete to compete and initially was given a score of 13.666, placing her in the fifth position of the contest, before Landi appealed the score, citing, “At this point, we had nothing to lose, so I was like, ‘We’re just going to try.”
Others saw the incident as a reflection of how Black women get pushed out of spaces where they excel above the white majority, citing the change in some sport rules and guidelines. However, most users claimed it was blatant racism from a fragile white Olympics committee that couldn’t stand seeing three Black women claim the podium for the floor event.
“This is what broke them. Three Black women champions basking in joy & sisterhood was too much. Jordan Chiles will always be an Olympic gold medalist to me. I hope she’s surrounded with love right now,” wrote one X user in reference to the iconic image of Chiles and teammate Simone Biles bowing to Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade who won the gold medal for the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Floor event.
“Jordan Chiles situation so reminiscent of when black and brown kids start taking over white spaces with their talent….When you can’t beat em, when they can’t legally discriminate to put you out.. They change the rules and/or tear you down,” wrote another user.
“A Black woman who was already the target of racist and sexist attacks (and who threatened to not even compete in the past, btw) now has to deal with this all over again. She will now forever be front and center of a scandal that didn’t have to happen,” wrote one X user.
Over on TikTok, people were definitely fired up, detailing for viewers bit-by-bit how the judges’ error occurred and also standing ten toes behind Chiles.
“The athlete should not be blamed for this. I hate that everybody has come for Jordan like she did something wrong because she definitely didn’t,” said another TikTok user.
“Because if I were Jordan Chiles I would’ve posted a picture of my medal with a caption that said, ‘And who gon’ snatch it from around my neck?’” said one TikTok user.
However, even overwhelming support from the public and fellow athletes urging fans to levy more blame on the judges, critics have responded to the late switch with racist remarks and asking her to give back the medal. Chiles teammate Suni Lee reacted to the controversy in an Instagram story, writing, “All this talk about the athlete, what about the judges?? Completely unacceptable. This is awful and I’m gutted for Jordan.”
Biles ran to her defense as well, writing, “sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!” in an Instagram story. Even Chiles’ mama, Gina, took to social media calling out those who accused her daughter of being anything less than an Olympian with a good character.
“My daughter is a highly decorated Olympian with the biggest heart and a level of sportsmanship that is unmatched and she’s being called all these disgusting things,” Gina Chiles wrote in a statement.
Chiles acknowledged the snub in an Instagram story on Saturday, releasing a statement that she was “taking this time and removing herself from social media for her mental health.” The U.S. Olympics committee stated they are committed to pursuing an appeal to help Chiles get the “recognition she deserves,” per a statement via NBC.
You’ll always be OUR Paris Olympics 2024 bronze medalist, Chiles.