Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu was awarded her Olympic bronze medal for the floor exercise on Friday during a ceremony in Bucharest, Romania. The event took place amid ongoing controversy regarding the scoring that might lead to Jordan Chiles losing the bronze medal she was initially awarded.
The official ceremony followed the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) approval, allowing Romanian officials to proceed with the medal presentation. During the event, Bărbosu shared words of support for both Chiles and her Romanian teammate Sabrina Voinea, acknowledging the emotional and uncertain situation they all faced.
Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu presented Olympic bronze medal first awarded to American Jordan Chiles https://t.co/NEHScIqBoi
— Brito Vagner Dantas (@VortexBrito) August 17, 2024
“I can’t help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now,” Bărbosu said in Romanian. “It’s a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions. I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics. And that the Olympic spirit is more important than any misunderstanding between the authorities.”
Bărbosu expressed her hope that one day all three gymnasts would be recognized with a bronze medal. She and Voinea initially received the same score for their routines, but Bărbosu secured the tiebreaker due to a higher execution score.
The controversy began when Chiles was originally awarded the bronze medal in Paris after her coach, Cecile Landi, successfully submitted an inquiry that increased her difficulty score. However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport later overturned the inquiry, citing an alleged time violation, which lowered Chiles’ score to fifth place, behind the two Romanian gymnasts. U.S. officials have disputed the alleged time violation.
During the ceremony, Bărbosu received her medal from IOC member Octavian Morariu and Mihai Covaliu, president of the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee, with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu also in attendance. Holding the medal, Bărbosu remarked, “I did not realize how heavy it is. I am glad to be in possession of this medal and I hope to continue to represent Romania at the highest level.”
Ana Barbosu Sends Message to Jordan Chiles After Receiving Her Bronze Medal https://t.co/aMilMu1sms
— marylynnjuszczak (@marylynnjuszcza) August 17, 2024
Meanwhile, Chiles broke her silence on the controversy by posting a statement on social media, expressing that the decision “feels unjust” and sharing her experience of facing “racially driven attacks” online. Chiles vowed to continue fighting for what she believes is right, stating, “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.”
Key Points:
i. Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu received her Olympic bronze medal in Bucharest after a scoring controversy that might see Jordan Chiles lose her initial bronze.
ii. The International Olympic Committee approved the medal ceremony, where Bărbosu expressed empathy for both Chiles and fellow Romanian gymnast Sabrina Voinea.
iii. Bărbosu and Voinea had identical scores, but Bărbosu won the tiebreaker due to a higher execution score.
iv. The controversy arose after Chiles’ coach submitted an inquiry in Paris that temporarily boosted Chiles to third place, but this was later overturned due to an alleged time violation.
v. Chiles addressed the situation on social media, calling the decision “unjust” and stating she would continue to fight for fairness.
Susan Guglielmo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
