Jordan Chiles is finally speaking out after all the controversy surrounding her revoked Olympics medal.
As we’ve been following, the Olympic gymnast was controversially stripped of her bronze medal in the women’s individual floor exercise earlier this month. Romania’s Ana Barbosu was initially announced as the winner, but Team USA’s coach Cecile Landi filed an inquiry into the difficulty of one of Jordan’s moves. Judges ultimately agreed Landi, bumping Jordan’s score from 13.666 to 13.766, moving her from fifth place to third — meaning she got the bronze medal instead of Barbosu. But the following day, Team Romania filed their own inquiry, arguing Team USA filed their request beyond the 60-second time limit imposed on the final floor exercise competitor, according to the “FIG rule.” The Court Of Arbitration For Sport reviewed Romania’s inquiry, agreed with that one, too — and subsequently stripped Jordan of the medal, reinstating it to Ana. And despite irrefutable video evidence the decision was wrong, Team USA’s appeal was denied.
Amid all the controversy, a devastated Jordan said she was “removing” herself from social media. But she’s back, and has some heartbreaking words.
On Thursday, the 23-year-old returned to Instagram to share a lengthy message:
“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. 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 decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.”
It was a historic moment in Olympics history, as Jordan, alongside Simone Biles and Rebeca Andradade, made up the first-ever all-Black Olympics gymnastics podium. But that moment in history has sadly been overshadowed by “racially driven attacks,” according to Jordan:
“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. 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. Finding joy again has been a culture shift and I love seeing others embrace it. I feel like I have given everyone permission to be authentic to who they are.”
So sad!
Finally, the gymnast concluded:
“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say that 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.”
Poor Jordan! What do you make of this situation? Let us know in the comments down below!
[Images via Good Morning America/YouTube & MEGA/WENN]
The post Jordan Chiles Breaks Silence After Being Stripped Of Olympic Medal -- And Blasts 'Racially Driven' Hate! appeared first on Perez Hilton.