Image source: AP Photo / Vadim Ghirda
On Friday in Bucharest, Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu was awarded her Olympic bronze medal, marking the end of a heated controversy. The medal was initially given to U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles but later reallocated to Barbosu after a critical decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Ana Barbosu, speaking after the ceremony, expressed her surprise at the weight of the medal, saying, “I did not expect the medal to be so heavy, but I would wear it day and night if that’s what it takes to keep it.”
The drama began during the Aug. 5 floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics. A last-minute appeal by Team USA coach Cecile Landi pushed Chiles into third place, bumping Ana Barbosu to fourth. This decision was met with outrage in Romania, a country with a rich history in gymnastics.
The Romanian Gymnastics Federation quickly challenged the appeal, arguing that it was filed just four seconds too late. Last week, CAS sided with Ana Barbosu, stating that the U.S. team had missed the one-minute deadline for appeals.
Ana Barbosu thanked the Romanian federation and their legal team for their support, stating, “This resolution was possible with the help of the federation and the law firm that stood by us athletes and fought for our rights.”
This medal is significant for Romania, as it marks the country’s first women’s Olympic gymnastics medal since the 2012 London Games. Barbosu expressed her pride, saying, “I am very happy to have this medal. I hope to represent Romania at the highest level and bring home more medals.”
However, the decision has been a tough one for all athletes involved. Chiles, who initially received the bronze, called the ruling “unjust” and has faced online abuse, including racially charged comments. USA Gymnastics has indicated that they will continue to support Chiles in her efforts to keep the medal.
Ana Barbosu acknowledged the sadness surrounding the controversy, saying, “We expected the referees and staff at the Olympics to do their job properly.” Despite the outcome, she sent “good thoughts” to the U.S. gymnasts, adding, “I am thinking of them even if today I got the medal.”
Inquiries are a common part of gymnastics, where athletes or coaches can ask judges to review scores. But the events at the Paris Olympics have left a lasting impact on the athletes, showing how high the stakes are at this level of competition.
