Who will win the bronze medal in the floor exercise of gymnastics at the Paris Olympics? Once in the hands of Romanian Ana Barbosu, then American Jordan Chiles after a review of her score, before returning to Barbosu’s neck due to a successful appeal and a 4-second delay in the American’s request for re-evaluation, the imbroglio continues.
This Monday, it was Jordan Chiles’ turn to counterattack. Her lawyers filed an appeal before the Swiss Supreme Court to contest the withdrawal of the bronze medal that had initially been awarded to her at the Paris Olympics, claiming to have video proof that the American had made her request in time.
Jury leader allegedly worked for Romania
They also denounce a “serious conflict of interest” in favour of Barbosu, assuring that the head of the jury that handled the case had worked for several years as an advisor for Romania.
“In light of these undeniable failings, Chiles is asking the Federal Supreme Court to restore the score she rightfully received in the final floor event,” said her lawyers at Gibson Dunn. “Every element of the Olympic Games, including the officiating process, must respect fair play,” added Maurice Suh.
Chiles’ appeal is supported by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, according to the gymnast’s lawyers, who said the stripping of her medal was “unfair.” “To add to this heartbreak, the spontaneous racial attacks on social media are false and extremely hurtful. I put my heart and soul into this sport and am so proud to represent my culture and country,” she wrote on social media.
