Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu spoke out on social media, offering support to American gymnast Jordan Chiles after the International Olympic Committee ordered Chiles to return her bronze medal following a controversial ruling. The Center for Arbitration of Sport determined that the U.S. inquiry into Chiles’ score was past the one-minute deadline, causing her score to be reinstated and dropping her to fifth place. Barbosu expressed sympathy for Chiles and Romanian gymnast Sabrina Mancea-Voinea, blaming officials for the drama and hoping for a future where they can share the podium together at the Olympics.
Following the IOC’s decision, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee planned to file an appeal, while USA Gymnastics claimed to have video evidence showing that the inquiry into Chiles’ score was on time. Chiles, who has since taken a social media break, has not commented on the CAS ruling. The gymnasts involved in the controversy, including Mancea-Voina and Barbosu, have faced criticism online over the situation. Romanian gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci called for an end to the attacks on the young athletes, stating that the behavior was unacceptable and cruel.
Barbosu’s message to Chiles and Mancea-Voinea came amidst growing tension surrounding the floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics. The situation could have been avoided if officials had followed the regulations and respected the one-minute inquiry deadline. Barbosu emphasized that the athletes should not be blamed for the controversy, and expressed her desire to end the games in the spirit of Olympism, calling it the true value of the world. Despite the backlash they have faced, the gymnasts involved in the dispute are hoping for a future where they can put the drama behind them and focus on their athletic achievements.
As the situation continued to unfold, USA Gymnastics revealed that they had evidence supporting the timeliness of the inquiry into Chiles’ score, contradicting the CAS ruling. Chiles, who has remained silent since the ruling, faced criticism online along with Mancea-Voinea and Barbosu. The gymnasts’ performances were overshadowed by the controversy surrounding the floor exercise final, prompting Comaneci to call for an end to the attacks on the young athletes. Despite the challenges they have faced, the gymnasts are looking forward to a future where they can compete without the drama and criticism that has surrounded the Paris Olympics.
In the wake of the controversy, Barbosu, Chiles, and Mancea-Voinea have been caught up in a storm of criticism and backlash online. The situation escalated when the CAS ruled in favor of reinstating Chiles’ score, causing her to forfeit her bronze medal. While the Olympic and gymnastics organizations have been involved in the dispute, the gymnasts themselves have borne the brunt of the backlash. Comaneci’s plea for an end to the attacks highlights the toll that the controversy has taken on the young athletes, who have faced intense scrutiny and criticism in the aftermath of the Paris Olympics. Despite the challenges they have faced, the gymnasts are looking towards a future where they can compete without the drama and focus on their success on the world stage.
