Jordan Chiles slams 'racially-driven attacks' and 'unjust' decision to strip her of Olympics bronze medal in bombshell statement
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Jordan Chiles has broken her silence on the 'devastation' of losing her Olympic bronze medal - and the vile 'racially-driven attacks' that have followed in the dramatic fallout.
The gymnast initially finished fifth in the floor exercise in Paris, before USA appealed the decision and her score was increased enough to move above Romania's Ana Barbosu into third place.
But then, in a stunning ruling, the Court of Arbitration for Sport declared that the judges were wrong to allow the change because the US appeal came outside the permitted one-minute window.
It meant the 23-year-old was again relegated to fifth. Chiles initially announced she was removing herself from social media 'for my mental health'.
But on Thursday, she released a statement on Instagram hitting out at the 'unjust' decision - and slamming those who have subjected her to abuse.
Team USA star Jordan Chiles lost her Olympic bronze medal from the floor exercise
Ana Barbosu is scheduled to receive the bronze taken from Chiles in Romania this week
'I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, USAG and the USOPC for their unwavering support during this difficult time,' Chiles wrote.
'While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away. I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful.
'I have no words. This decisions feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.
'To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I've poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.'
The case took a new twist on Wednesday, when CAS slammed 'outrageous statements' over an alleged conflict of interest involving its panel.
Hamid G. Gharavi led the panel that decided Chiles' fate and it has since emerged that Gharavi has worked with the Romanian government for around 10 years.
Chiles initially finished fifth before she moved ahead of Romania's Barbosu on appeal
But the court dismissed suggestions of 'bias' and Chiles insisted she would fight to ensure that justice is done. The gymnast also remains confident that 'the people in control will do the right thing'.
'I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship, and the rules that dictate fairness. I have taken pride in cheering on everyone regardless of team or country,' her statement continued.
'Finding joy again has been a culture shift and I love seeing others embrace it. I feel like I have given everyone to be authentic to who they are.
'I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe when I say I have had many. I will approach this challenge as I have others - and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.'
