United States women’s gymnast Jordan Chiles has been officially stripped of her bronze medal from the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, a decision that has sparked outrage and controversy.
Chiles initially won the bronze medal in the floor routine earlier this month after finishing fifth in the competition. However, U.S. coaches filed an appeal, arguing that her score should be adjusted. The appeal resulted in her score being increased by one-tenth of a point, which bumped her into third place, securing the bronze. But the celebration was short-lived. The International Olympic Committee later determined that the appeal was submitted 64 seconds after Chiles completed her routine—exceeding the 60-second time limit for filing such appeals.
The decision to strip Chiles of her medal has not only disappointed her fans but has also led to a disturbing wave of backlash on social media. Gina Chiles, Jordan’s mother, has taken to social media to call out the racist comments that have been directed at her daughter since the news broke.
“The racist, disgusting comments are still happening in 2024. I’m tired of people who say racism no longer exists. My daughter is a highly decorated Olympian with the biggest heart and a level of sportsmanship that is unmatched… and she’s being called disgusting things,” Gina Chiles wrote, expressing her anger and frustration at the treatment her daughter has received.
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Jordan’s sister, Jazmin, also spoke out against the backlash, highlighting the injustice she believes her sister has faced. “Please keep Jordan (and my family) in your prayers,” Jazmin wrote. “Racism is real, it exists, it is alive and well. They have officially, five days later, stripped her of one of her medals. Not because she didn’t win, not because she was drugged, not because she stepped out of bounds. Not because she wasn’t good enough. But because the judges failed to give her difficulty [score] and forced an inquiry to be made.”
The Chiles family’s remarks underscore the emotional toll that this situation has taken on them, turning what should have been a moment of pride into a painful experience. The controversy surrounding the appeal’s timing has sparked a broader conversation about the strict regulations governing the sport and the impact these rules can have on athletes’ careers.
As the gymnastics community and fans grapple with the fallout from this decision, the Chiles family continues to advocate for Jordan, urging others to “be better” and stand against the hateful rhetoric that has marred this Olympic experience.
The incident serves as a stark reminder that while progress has been made, the fight against racism and injustice is far from over.
