American gymnast refuses to give up Paris Olympic bronze

Chiles was then stripped of the bronze medal for a procedural rule violation, which went to Romania’s Ana Barbosu.

The Romanian finished third in the competition behind Brazilian Rebeca Andrade and American Simone Biles, while Chiles came in fifth, before her coach Cecil Landy protested her score, and the judges decided to respond and increase her score to 13.766, moving her up to third place.

Romania appealed the referees’ decision, citing the fact that the United States protested the result 1 minute and 4 seconds after the referees’ decision, even though the regulations stipulate that the protest must be filed in less than a minute.

Chiles said she was shocked to learn earlier this week that she had lost the floor bronze medal after the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled in favour of an appeal by Barboso, who was later awarded the bronze medal.

“I have no words, this decision seems unfair and comes as a huge blow, not only to me but to everyone who supported my journey,” the 23-year-old wrote on her Instagram account.

“In addition to being deeply saddened, the unjustified racist attacks on social media are wrong and very hurtful,” she added. “I have given my all to this sport and I am very proud to represent my culture and country.”

Chiles, who also won the team gold medal with Biles in Paris, said she would continue to fight and hoped the CAS would eventually reverse its decision.

“I am now facing one of the most challenging moments in my career,” she concluded. “I will approach this challenge as I have approached previous cases, and I will do my utmost to ensure justice is served. I believe that at the end of this journey, the person responsible will act in the right way.”

Source: “Media”