The Jordan Chiles case was one of the most high-profile during the Paris Olympics. The American gymnast, who competed in the freestyle, initially placed fourth. Chiles' team filed a protest, demanding that the athlete's result be verified.
After the performance was replayed on video, judges awarded Chiles an extra point, which put the American on the podium ahead of Ana Barbosu of Romania. Chiles took home the bronze medal, but she didn’t get to enjoy it for long, having to give it back a few days later.
All because of the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), to which the Romanians referred the case. They proved to the tribunal that the American's protest was filed four seconds too late. The decision caused outrage in the United States.
– I followed the rules. My coach followed the rules. We did everything that was absolutely right. The biggest thing that was taken away from me was my sense of who I am. Not just in sports, but as a person. It's not about the medal, it's about my skin – Chiles said, quoted by the portal rrmcsport.bfmtv.com.
Another twist on Chiles medal?
Everything indicates that this is not the end of the matter. As reported by American media, Chiles' lawyers have already appealed to the Swiss Supreme Court, claiming that the athlete's camp has evidence that the protest was filed on time.
The Americans also condemned what they believed was a conflict of interest in the CAS's decision-making. The chairman of the jury that heard the case, Hamid Gharavi, had worked as a sports consultant in Romania for several years.
“In light of the indisputable deficiencies, Chiles asks the Federal Supreme Court to reinstate the result she legally achieved in the final of the Games. Every element of the competition, including the judging process, must be rigorously observed,” the athlete's lawyers said in a statement.
As reported by Reuters, the final decision in the case will be made in four months at the earliest. However, the verdict could be issued in six months.