Jordan Chiles breaks silence on 'unjust' Olympic bronze medal decision

Jordan Chiles has broken her silence on the 'unjust' Olympic bronze medal decision following the score change controversy.

The 23-year-old American gymnast initially placed fifth in the women's floor final on 5 August with a score of 13.666.

But following a difficulty score inquiry submitted by her Olympics coach, Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, Chiles was moved up to third with a score of 13.766. This meant that Team Romania's Ana Bărbosu lost her place on the podium.

The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) then upheld an appeal from the Romanian Olympic Committee leading to Chiles being stripped of her bronze medal after the CAS claimed the inquiry into Chiles' score was made four seconds outside of the one-minute window for appeals and therefore would need to be disregarded.

There have been countless updates following the score change controversy and now, Chiles herself has took to social media to share a lengthy statement to her 1.5 million followers.

It begins: "I am overwhelmed by the love I have received over the past few days. I am also incredibly grateful to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, USAG [United States of America Gymnastics], and the USOPC [United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee] for their unwavering support during this difficult time.

"While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away. I had confidence in the appeal brought by USAG, who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful."

The gymnast continued: "I have no words. This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey.

"To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I've poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country."

Chiles added that she will 'never waver' from her 'values of competing with integrity, striving for excellence, upholding the values of sportsmanship and the rules that dictate fairness'.

"I have taken pride in cheering on everyone regardless of team or country," she carried on. "Finding joy again has been a culture shift and I love seeing others embrace it. I feel like I have given everyone permission to be authentic to who they are."

She rounded off the post by telling fans that she is now confronted with 'one of the most challenging moments' of her career.

"Believe me when I say I have had many," Chiles shared. "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."