Explained: Why Jordan Chiles was stripped of her Paris 2024 Olympics medal

Due to a heartbreaking technicality, Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles lost her first individual Olympic medal.

Jordan Chiles's bronze medal has been revoked. Credit: Tom Weller/VOIGT/Getty

After the women's floor final in gymnastics, Chiles initially placed fifth. However, following a difficulty score inquiry by her coach, Cecile Landi, her score was adjusted, moving her to third place, just behind Team USA teammate Simone Biles, who took second.

Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade won the gold medal, and the podium moment with the American gymnasts created one of the most iconic images of the Olympics.

Jordan Chiles was forced to hand back her bronze medal. Credit: Naomi Baker/Getty

Chiles' bronze medal was her first individual Olympic medal, having previously won gold in the women’s all-around final with teammates Biles, Sunisa Lee, Jade Carey, and Hezly Rivera.

This individual achievement was significant for the 23-year-old, who had already earned two team Olympic medals.

However, on Saturday, August 10, the Court of Arbitration for Sport announced that the inquiry had been submitted after the one-minute deadline.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) decided to amend the final floor results, as the review was submitted just four seconds too late.

This ruling reinstated Romania's Ana Barbosu, who was originally third and dropped Chiles back to fifth place, effectively stripping her of her only individual Olympic medal.

Jordan Chiles is one of Team USA's biggest stars. Credit: Tom Weller/VOIGT / Getty

In the wake of this devastating news, Simone Biles, the most decorated US Olympic gymnast, offered her support on Instagram, writing: "Sending you so much love Jordan, keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!”

Chiles responded with broken heart emojis on her Instagram Story and announced she would be taking a break from social media for her mental health.

Jordan Chiles appeared to address the situation on her Instagram story before announcing she was leaving social media for a while. Credit: Instagram/Jordan Chiles

In a joint statement on X, USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee expressed their dismay over the ruling.

They stated: "The inquiry into the Difficulty Value of Jordan Chiles’ floor exercise routine was filed in good faith and, we believed, in accordance with FIG rules to ensure accurate scoring."

Credit: x@USAGym

They also condemned the attacks Chiles faced on social media during the appeal process and praised her for maintaining integrity both on and off the competition floor, reaffirming their support for her.

Chiles had previously faced criticism for her reaction after missing out on the individual all-around final due to a different rule that only allows two competitors from the same country to participate in an Olympic final.

Featured image credit: Naomi Baker/Getty