Jordan Chiles Reacts to Medal Stripping Amid Racism Claims

PARIS, France — U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles expressed her feelings about having her bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics rescinded during an interview on the “Baby, this is Keke Palmer” podcast. She described the situation as “long overdue” and shared how she has faced racism since the scoring controversy emerged.

Chiles initially secured third place in the women’s floor exercise, sharing the podium with fellow Black gymnasts Simone Biles and Brazil’s Rebeca Andrade. However, her medal was stripped by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) when it determined that her coach’s appeal about a scoring change was submitted late.

After the contest, Chiles dealt with racist comments on social media, leading her to take a break from platforms like X. “I started seeing it more. They didn’t want to see three beautiful Black women standing on that podium,” Chiles said. “I really took that to heart.”

During the Olympics, Romania’s Ana Barbosu appeared to finish in third place but was bumped down to fifth when officials adjusted Chiles’ score after a review. Barbosu was visibly upset by the scoring decision and walked away in tears when the change was announced.

After Chiles’ score was adjusted and she accepted her medal, the CAS ruled later that her appeal was submitted past the deadline and ordered her to return the bronze.

Chiles remarked, “To me, everything that has gone on is not about the medal, it’s about, you know, my skin color.” After the situation gained international attention, the FIG and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee condemned the judging process.

Barbosu, who has now received her bronze medal, offered sympathy for Chiles and acknowledged their shared challenges. “It’s a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions,” she said. Both athletes are currently competing at universities; Chiles at UCLA and Barbosu at Stanford, and they are set to meet in a competition on March 7.