'HEARTBREAKING'
USA gymnastics legends rally around Jordan Chiles after Olympics medals loss as Aly Raisman claims ‘it’s so cruel’
Simone Biles also had words of comfort for her devastated teammate
AMERICAN gymnastics icons have rallied around Jordan Chiles after she was ordered to hand back her Olympic bronze medal.
Chiles, 23, earned a spot on the podium in the women's floor final.
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The Team USA star had initially finished fifth, but was bumped up to bronze after United States coach Cecile Landi successfully appealed that she had been under-marked.
In a subsequent bombshell verdict, however, the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the review was submitted FOUR SECONDS over the one minute deadline.
This means that Chiles' original score now stands, with Romania's Ana Barbosu up to third place.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has ordered Chiles to return her medal, so that it can be given to Barbosu.
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Chiles was left devastated by the decision.
She subsequently posted four broken heart emojis on Instagram, before adding: "I am taking the time and removing myself from social media for my mental health thank you."
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman blasted the IOC's verdict.
Appearing on the Today show, the 30-year-old said: "This is just so heartbreaking and I'm just so gutted for Jordan.
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"I can't even imagine what this past week has been like for Jordan and the other athletes involved.
"I don't think people realize these gymnasts work their entire lives for this moment, and it's supposed to be a celebration.
Simone Biles left in tears and was 'bawling my eyes out' after emotional moment with Olympic teammate Jordan Chiles
"This was one of my favorite moments at the Olympics, watching Jordan celebrate. I think it's so unfair. It's so cruel."
Looking for a solution, Raisman added: "I think it's so unfair, it's so cruel and I don't think that Jordan should have to give her medal back.
"The IOC has given more than one medal before and I think that they should do that now."
Simone Biles, who won silver in the floor final, also sent Chiles a message of support.
'Mother hen' Biles
Simone Biles' first coach Aimee Boorman exclusively told The U.S. Sun that she thinks Biles will be spurred by a new role this year.
"Having younger teammates benefits her because she has stepped in as the mother hen figure," said Aimee.
"And so she has to tell them to stay calm. You've got this. You're prepared. And so as she's saying it, she's also hearing it.
"You always have tiny kids that come into the gym, but they're never ripped like Simone was," she said.
"I know she was very self-conscious about it growing up. But from a coaching perspective, it was great.
"I didn't think that Simone would be a multi gold medal athlete straight away.
"But she did stand out because she was very tiny, but very muscular."
She wrote on Instagram: "Sending you so much love Jordan.
"Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!"
The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee have launched an appeal to fight CAS' decision.
In a statement, they confirmed: "We firmly believe that Jordan rightfully earned the bronze medal, and there were critical errors in both the initial scoring by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) and the subsequent CAS appeal process that need to be addressed.
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"Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to help Jordan Chiles receive the recognition she deserves.
"We remain dedicated to supporting her as an Olympic champion and will continue to work diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and fairly."