Ana Barbosu is given Jordan Chiles' Olympics bronze medal after US gymnast was controversially stripped of it after court battle

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Ana Barbosu was awarded her Olympic bronze medal on Friday morning after the  Romanian gymnast bumped USA's Jordan Chiles off the podium thanks to a bombshell court ruling.

The 18-year-old initially finished third in the floor exercise final in Paris, only for Team USA to successfully appeal the score awarded to Chiles.

The American's score was upgraded, putting her ahead of Barbosu who dropped her Romanian flag and broke down in tears.

However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport later ruled that the US appeal came outside the permitted one-minute window.

The controversy has continued beyond the end of the Games, with Chiles this week slamming the 'unjust' decision and the 'racially-driven attacks' that have followed.

Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu was awarded her Olympic bronze medal on Friday morning

The 18-year-old bumped USA's Jordan Chiles off the podium thanks to a bombshell court ruling

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Barbosu is now back home in Romania and on Thursday, the country's gymnastics federation confirmed that the medal ceremony would finally take place at 3.30pm local time on Friday. 

The medal was handed to Barbosu by Octavian Morariu, Romania's representative on the International Olympic Committee, and Mihai Covaliu, president of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee.   

According to local reports, the gymnast then thanked the lawyers who had fought to put her back on the podium. She also sent a heartfelt message to Chiles and her teammate Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who finished fourth. 

'I can't help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now,' Barbosu said. 'It's a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics.' 

She added: 'It's an emotional moment for me... this result came after many years of work in the gym and I thank the coaches without whom I would not have succeeded... this situation was possible thanks to the federation and the law firm that did not give up on us, the sportswomen.'

Morariu, meanwhile, claimed 'justice was done'. He said, per Observator: 'It was a fight against the clock because the procedures are very strict.'

Chiles was awarded a bronze in Paris before the Court of Arbitration for Sport intervened

'I am glad that I am in possession of this medal,' the 18-year-old said following the ceremony

The event was held at Olympic House in the capital Bucharest, with local reports claiming the country's Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also took part.

The Romanian federation confirmed it was not the same medal given to Chiles on the podium in Paris.

'Thank you for coming to this ceremony today. It's an emotional moment for me,' Barbosu said, per reports.

'Hearing the champions say that the medal is very heavy, until now I didn't realize how heavy it is.'

She added: 'I am glad that I am in possession of this medal and I hope to represent Romania as well as possible in the future and to bring as many medals as possible.'

Her comments come a day after Chiles released a statement hitting out at the 'unjust' decision - and slamming those who have subjected her to abuse.

In Paris, Barbosu responded to the score change by dropping her Romanian flag and crying

The medal ceremony for the gymnast was held at Olympic House in the capital Bucharest

'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.'

CAS dismissed accusations of 'bias' and Chiles insisted she would fight to ensure that justice is done. The gymnast also said she was 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.'