Women's gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics has been overshadowed by controversy after American gymnast Jordan Chiles was stripped of her floor bronze medal following a referee review. Now Romanian gymnast Ana Maria Bărbosu, who previously took the medal given to Chiles, is speaking out about what happened.
Nearly a week after the Games concluded and after several days of back-and-forth negotiations between the International Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Bărbosu won the bronze medal in Bucharest on Aug. 16. It was a bittersweet moment for her, to say the least.
“I can't help but think that [fellow Romanian gymnast and eventual fourth-place finisher] Sabrina [Voinea] “I'm in Jordan right now,” Bărbosu said after receiving his medal. USA Today“It's a difficult situation for us, there's a lot of uncertainty and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we did nothing wrong at the Olympics. And that the Olympic spirit is more important than any misunderstandings between officials.”
“I want to believe that the day will come when all three of us will get bronze medals,” he added.
Chiles reportedly still kept the bronze medal he was awarded, so Bărbosu was given a different medal. “I didn't realise how heavy it was,” Bărbosu told the audience at the medal ceremony. “I'm happy to have this medal and I hope to continue representing Romania at the highest level.”
Related: Jordan Chiles Speaks Out About 'Unfair' Decision to Strip Olympic Medal
Chiles, 23, took to social media to express her disappointment after the Court of Arbitration for Sport rejected USA Gymnastics' appeal on Aug. 15.
“This decision seems unfair and comes as a significant blow not only to me, but to everyone who has supported my journey,” he said. “On top of the heartbreak, the unprovoked racist attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I have given my heart and soul to this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and country.”
“I will never give up on my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, and upholding the values of sportsmanship and rules that dictate fairness,” he concluded. “I was proud to support everyone, regardless of team or country. It was a culture change to find joy again, and I love seeing others embrace that. I feel like I gave everyone permission to be who they are.”
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