Jordan Chiles opened up about the emotional aftermath of the controversial bronze medal incident at the 2024 Paris Olympics during the Forbes Power Women’s Summit on September 11, 2024. The U.S. gymnast shared how the ordeal left her feeling isolated and abandoned, as reported by the New York Post.
Chiles, visibly emotional, recounted how she was forced to return her bronze medal after a decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Initially, Chiles placed fifth in the floor exercise final but was moved up to third following a Team USA inquiry that led to a score adjustment. However, CAS later ruled that the inquiry had been submitted too late, awarding the bronze to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu instead.
“The biggest thing that was taken from me was the recognition of who I was, not just my sport, but the person I am.”
Olympic Gymnast @ChilesJordan spoke with @MoiraForbes about being stripped of her bronze medal at the 2024 #PowerWomensSummit. https://t.co/gRF3MBW6J9 pic.twitter.com/Fjett19aDY
— ForbesWomen (@ForbesWomen) September 11, 2024
Reflecting on the impact of the decision, Chiles explained, “The biggest thing taken from me wasn’t the medal—it was the recognition of who I am, not just as an athlete, but as a person.” She expressed feeling like the situation was about more than just the competition, saying, “To me, it’s not about the medal, it’s about my skin color.”
Chiles compared the emotional toll of the incident to a difficult period in 2018 when she nearly quit gymnastics due to abusive coaching. She shared how this experience left her feeling unsupported and unheard, much like her current situation. “I lost the love for the sport again,” she said, recalling how she had hoped for more support from those around her.
Despite the challenges, Chiles remains optimistic about her future. “I made history, and I will continue to make history,” she declared, emphasizing her determination to keep pushing forward. Chiles remains proud of her accomplishments, saying, “I am a two-time Olympian and a world champion. No matter what, that will always be part of me.”
The controversy surrounding Chiles’ bronze medal has sparked a wave of reactions online, with many fans expressing their support for the gymnast, while others offered more critical views. Some voiced their frustration at the decision, with one user commenting, “Stripping her of the bronze medal feels unjust.” However, others disagreed, urging her to move on from the situation.
Through it all, Chiles remains steadfast in her resolve, stating, “I’m going to shine bright because the star is never going to get dimmed, and I’ll keep walking forward.”
