Jordan Chiles has broken her silence about the decision to strip her of her bronze medal in floor exercise at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
"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," Chiles wrote in a lengthy statement posted on Instagram. "To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful."
"I've poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country," she continued.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport determined last week that the scoring inquiry submitted by Chiles' coach Cecile Canqueteau-Landi came in four seconds after the allotted time of one minute. The International Gymnastics Federation said it would honor the ruling of the CAS and move Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu back to third place in the floor exercise final.
The International Olympic Committee announced on Sunday that Chiles needed to return her bronze medal.
USA Gymnastics filed an appeal, but it was denied. According to ESPN, officials will continue to try to find a way for Chile to keep her medal, which is her first in an individual Olympic competition.
"I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career," Chiles concluded in her statement. "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. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing."
In the meantime, Flavor Flav has offered to make Chiles her own bronze clock, which might be even cooler.