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Simone Biles has opened up about the emotional support she’s been giving her USA teammate, Jordan Chiles, following a major controversy at the 2024 Paris Games this summer.
Jordan Chiles faced a heartbreaking moment when she was stripped of her bronze medal in the women’s gymnastics floor final. The incident occurred on August 10, after two Romanian gymnasts filed a protest.
After reviewing the appeal from USA coaches, the International Olympic Committee made the highly debated decision to award the bronze to Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu instead.
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Simone Biles shared how she’s been there for Chiles during this tough time. “We’ve been FaceTiming, texting, just being there for each other like girls do,” Biles said. “I told her, ‘Jordan, you need to let yourself feel everything. Don’t hold back. It’s the healthiest way to cope.’”
Simone Biles also revealed that, although Chiles has stayed off social media, she’s been sending her little things to lift her spirits. “I shared some funny things I came across with her.” One was a picture of four or five girls guarding a medal—it was the cutest thing. I also sent her Flavor Flav’s bronze medal that he made for her, and LeBron’s tweet,” Simone Biles shared.
The 11-time Olympic medalist didn’t hold back her opinion on the decision, stating that she believes the “correct procedures” weren’t followed. She, along with the rest of USA Gymnastics, is hoping for “justice” for Chiles.
For Chiles, the bronze would have marked her first individual Olympic medal. Earlier in the Games, the 23-year-old played a key role in helping the U.S. women’s gymnastics team win gold in the team finals.
“This is one of the toughest moments of my career,” Chiles said in a statement on August 15. “I’ve overcome many challenges before, and I’ll tackle this one with the same determination. I’m confident that justice will prevail in the end.”
