In an emotional interview, gymnast Jordan Chiles opened up for the first time since being stripped of her Olympic bronze medal in the floor exercise. The 23-year-old athlete shared her thoughts during the Forbes Power Women’s Summit, expressing her heartbreak over the decision and its deeper impact on her.
Jordan Chiles Discusses Her View on the Matter
Chiles’ bronze medal was reassigned to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu after a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The controversy revolved around the timing of an appeal submitted by her coach, Cecile Landi, which allegedly arrived four seconds late. USA Gymnastics disputes this claim, maintaining that they have evidence to prove the appeal was on time.
Speaking about the situation, Chiles said, “The biggest thing that was taken from me was the recognition of who I was—not just my sport, but the person I am.” She added that it wasn’t just about the medal, but about how she felt marginalized throughout the process. “To me, everything that has gone on is not about the medal; it’s about my skin color.”
Chiles shared how this experience brought back memories of her struggles in 2018 when she briefly lost her love for gymnastics due to emotional abuse from a coach. “I felt like everything has been stripped,” she said. “I was really left in the dark, just like back then.”
Heartbreak and Support
Chiles also reflected on the overwhelming support she’s received from fans, though it was initially hard to appreciate. “At first, it was really hard to see all the love and support because my heart was broken,” she revealed. However, she later acknowledged the significance of those standing by her side, saying, “I appreciate every single person that has come out and spoken up.”
Despite the setback, Chiles remains determined. “I made history, and I’ll always continue to make history,” she said. “I will keep moving forward.”