Jordan Chiles Fights for Bronze Medal in Swiss Court Appeal

Jordan Chiles the American gymnast has appealed to the Federal Supreme Court of Switzerland after officials denied her the bronze medal in the women’s floor event at the 2024 Olympics. This appeal continues her legal battle, following two prior rejections by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Chiles initially finished fifth in the event but after an inquiry into the difficulty rating of her routine officials upgraded her score moving her to third place.

Romania’s Ana Barbosu, who had originally finished fourth then appealed, claiming the inquiry was submitted four seconds after the one-minute deadline set by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG). CAS ruled in Barbosu’s favor and awarded her the bronze medal. Despite CAS typically serving as the highest authority in sports-related legal matters, Chiles and her legal team have raised concerns about the process.

They argue that CAS refused to review video footage which they say clearly proves that officials submitted the inquiry within the allowed time. Chiles’ lawyers are also challenging claims that the head of the CAS panel had potential ties to Romania, a connection CAS strongly denied calling the accusations “outrageous.” Chiles continues her fight for the bronze medal through Switzerland’s highest court.

Meanwhile, she has endured a wave of online racist abuse following the decision to strip her of the medal. Still, Jordan Chiles remains a celebrated figure on the U.S. gymnastics team, having won gold in the team event at the Paris Olympics alongside Simone Biles.

Now, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court will decide whether Chiles’ appeal will prompt a reconsideration of her bid for the Olympic bronze.