After the decision to strip Jordan Chiles of her Olympic bronze medal, the gymnast has finally spoken about the “unjust” ruling.
There have been efforts to help the Team USA star keep her individual medal. Chiles has been quiet all along, but her outspoken sister, Jazmin, has slammed the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over the decision on her behalf.
Chiles, 23, has now come of out her shell as she has been the subject of discussion in the past weeks.
On Thursday, she took to Instagram to address the ongoing battle, the “overwhelming” love from her supporters, and backlash from other critics.
She said the “devastating” news came while she was “celebrating” her “Olympic accomplishments.”
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“I had confidence in the appeal brought by the USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. That appeal was unsuccessful.
“I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey,” she stated.
Apart from the scrutiny and ongoing uncertainty, Chiles and her family had faced different forms of condemnation online.
Despite the backlash in the U.S. and from across the globe, she remains “so proud” to represent her “culture and country.”
“I will never waver from my values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, holding upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness. I have taken pride in cheering on everyone regardless of team or country.”
“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career. Believe me when I say I have had many. I will approach this challenge as I have others and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done,” Chiles stated.
Despite the ongoing challenges, the top athlete said she remains strong that “at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing.” The stellar competitor has the support of her family, USA Gymnastics, and the 2024 Paris Olympics hero, Flavor Flav.
