Team USA reportedly possesses "video evidence" that may enable Jordan Chiles to retain her Olympic Games bronze medal following a controversial ruling by The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). 

USA Gymnastics, the National Governing Body of Gymnastics in the USA, announced on X (formerly Twitter) that they have officially submitted evidence to the CAS to support Chiles retaining her medal.

“On Sunday, USA Gymnastics formally sent a letter and video evidence to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, clearly showing that Head Coach Cecile Landi’s request to file an inquiry was made 47 seconds after the score was published, within the one-minute deadline mandated by FIG rule,” the statement elaborates.

“Within the letter, USA Gymnastics asks for the CAS ruling to be amended and for Chiles’ bronze-medal score of 13.766 to be reinstated.”

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Jordan Chiles was overjoyed upon winning the bronze medal with her floor routine. (Image: Getty)

The significance of this issue hinges on the timing of the inquiry. When Chiles initially performed her floor routine in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Floor Exercise Final, she was ranked fifth, trailing behind Romania’s Ana Barbousu and Sabrina Voinea. 

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However, Team USA coach Cécile Canqueteau-Landi submitted an appeal to add 0.1 to Chiles' original score, propelling her from fifth to third and securing her the bronze medal. 

Appeals in such competitions must be made within the one-minute window permitted for scoring inquiries. According to the CAS, Canqueteau-Landi’s appeal was four seconds late, at 64 seconds. If Team USA's claim that the inquiry was made at 47 seconds is accurate, it introduces a new dimension to the situation. 

“The time-stamped, video evidence provided by USA Gymnastics on Sunday evening demonstrates that Landi initially stated her intention to file an inquiry 47 seconds after the score was posted, with a follow-up statement at 55 seconds,” the USA Gymnastics’ statement continues.

“This video evidence was not available to USA Gymnastics before the tribunal’s decision, and thus USAG had no opportunity to submit it earlier.”

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The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee had previously announced their intent to challenge the CAS’ contentious decision. 

“We strongly believe that Jordan deservedly earned the bronze medal, and there were significant errors in the initial scoring by the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) as well as in the CAS appeal process that need correction,” they stated to CNN. 

The IOC confirmed Jordan Chiles will be stripped of her bronze medal. (Image: Getty)

“The initial mistake was in the scoring by FIG, and the second was during the CAS appeal process, where the USOPC was not given sufficient time or notice to effectively contest the decision. Consequently, we were not adequately represented or given the opportunity to present our case fully.

“Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to ensure Jordan Chiles receives the recognition she merits. We remain steadfast in supporting her as an Olympic champion and will continue working diligently to resolve this matter swiftly and equitably.”

Chiles also addressed the situation on her Instagram story, announcing she would be stepping away from social media. 

“I am taking this time to remove myself from social media for my mental health, thank you,” she shared.

Jordan Chiles’ statement on Instagram. (Image: Instagram @jordanchiles)

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the CAS have yet to issue a statement in response to USA Gymnastics’ actions.

Feature Image: Getty