Jordan Chiles reflects on Olympic bronze medal controversy and lost passion

Jordan Chiles recently spoke about her experience following the controversial scoring of her floor routine at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Initially awarded a bronze medal, her score was later changed back to fifth place after an appeal from a Romanian gymnast. The Court of Arbitration for Sport ruled that the inquiry into the scoring was filed late, leading to the reinstatement of the original scores and the return of the medal to Ana Bărbosu. Chiles expressed that the situation affected her deeply, stating it was not just about the medal but also about her identity and recognition as an athlete. Reflecting on the aftermath, Chiles compared her feelings to a previous experience in 2018 when she faced emotional and verbal abuse from a coach, which led her to lose her passion for gymnastics. She felt unheard and left in the dark during the recent controversy, emphasizing that she and her coach followed the rules. Despite the support she received from fans, she struggled to process the positive messages due to her heartbreak. Chiles acknowledged the love and support from her fans but admitted that it was difficult to appreciate it at first because of her emotional state. She highlighted the importance of being recognized for her achievements and contributions to the sport. In conclusion, Chiles remains determined to continue making history in gymnastics, despite the challenges she has faced. She expressed gratitude for the support she received, which has helped her navigate this difficult period in her career.