Jordan Chiles gets Olympic floor bronze after submitting score appeal

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, American gymnast Jordan Chiles secured her first individual Olympic medal, a bronze in the floor exercise, following a successful score appeal. Initially placed fifth, Chiles' final score was adjusted after an inquiry, propelling her to third place and marking a significant milestone in her gymnastics career.

The floor exercise final on Monday was filled with tension and unexpected developments. Chiles, who had previously won team medals but no individual accolades at the Olympics, delivered a strong routine that initially earned her a score of 13.666. This placed her behind Romania's Ana Barbosu, who was in the bronze medal position with a score of 13.700.

However, Chiles' coaches noticed that one of her elements, the Gogean—a split leap with a 1.5-turn—had not been credited appropriately. Believing that the difficulty of the move had been undervalued, they decided to file an inquiry with the judges. The process of submitting an inquiry is not without risk, as it can sometimes result in a lower score if the judges find additional errors upon review. Nonetheless, Chiles' coaches were confident that the move deserved a higher difficulty rating.

The judges reviewed the routine and agreed with the appeal, upgrading the difficulty rating of the Gogean and increasing Chiles' score to 13.766. This adjustment was enough to move her past Barbosu and into the bronze medal position, behind Brazil's Rebeca Andrade, who won gold with a score of 14.166, and Chiles' teammate Simone Biles, who took silver with a score of 14.133.

The moment the updated score was announced, Chiles was overwhelmed with emotion. She collapsed to the mat in disbelief and joy, her coach Cecile Landi rushing to her side to help her up. "I have no words but I’m so proud of myself," Chiles managed to say, her voice hoarse from the excitement. "Losing my voice means everything to me, as it takes a lot for me to reach that point."

Chiles' journey to this point has been marked by perseverance and dedication. After winning a silver medal with the U.S. team at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020, she continued to compete at the collegiate level for UCLA, where she won NCAA titles on the uneven bars and floor exercise. Her return to elite gymnastics was driven by a desire to compete in Paris, and her efforts have now been rewarded with an individual Olympic medal.

The appeal process, while nerve-wracking, ultimately paid off. "You can either gain or lose points," Chiles explained. "I was the first one to notice the change since I was watching the screen." Her quick observation and the subsequent celebration with her coach and teammates, including Simone Biles, highlighted the camaraderie and support within the team.

This bronze medal not only adds to Chiles' impressive list of achievements but also marks a historic moment in Olympic gymnastics. The podium for the floor exercise featured three Black gymnasts—Andrade, Biles, and Chiles—demonstrating the increasing diversity and representation in the sport.

Chiles' success in Paris is a testament to her resilience and the unwavering support of her coaches and teammates. As she stood on the podium, receiving her medal, she reflected on the journey that brought her here. "I'm proud of every one of these girls, and especially of myself," she said. "This is a moment I will cherish forever."

The dramatic conclusion of the floor exercise final serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of gymnastics and the importance of every element in a routine. For Jordan Chiles, it was a moment of validation and triumph, a fitting reward for her hard work and dedication to the sport.