Jordan Chiles comments on Olympics medal scandal as new evidence emerges in her favour

The Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles filed an appeal with the Switzerland Supreme Court on Monday in an effort to seek the result for the Olympic floor exercise bronze medal given to Romanian Ana Barbosu overturned.

Chiles originally finished fifth on floor exercise, but her score was bumped up a tenth of a point when her coaches challenged it, vaulting her into third. The Romanian Gymnastics Federation filed an appeal, citing that the challenge came in 64 seconds after the original score went up, four seconds after the allowed inquiry window opened.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in Romania's favor five days later. In light of this ruling, the International Olympic Committee asked Chiles to return the bronze medal amidst outrage within the U.S. gymnastics community, with many in the sport feeling this was an unfair decision.

Chiles, however, has refused to return the medal to date, claiming that it rightfully belongs to her. She explained that this was indeed a valid score adjustment and thus should not be considered to have been appealed at an inappropriate time.

The situation has become all the more sensitive because the original podium was historic, featuring three Black women, including Chiles, a first for Olympic gymnastics. Having her medal taken away only kept the drama going. Chiles has filed an appeal, citing major procedural errors and issues with communication as major points to her appeal. A decision on her appeal could be highly precedent, setting for future sports decisions.