The Court of Arbitration for Sports rejected USA Gymnastics’ efforts on Monday to reopen the case into whether Jordan Chiles is eligible to keep her bronze medal after new evidence countered the initial claims about an Olympic inquiry submission.
The rejection comes following a ruling over the weekend that an inquiry submitted by USA Gymnastics head coach Cecile Landi during the women’s floor exercise event, which moved Chiles into third place ahead of Romania’s Ana Barbosu, was submitted past the time limit allowed and would no longer be counted.
USA Gymnastics announced shortly after the initial ruling that there was evidence to prove that the inquiry was submitted before the time limit and that Chiles should be allowed to keep her bronze medal, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Despite presenting this evidence to the CAS, USA Gymnastics said in a statement posted on social media on Monday night that the court denied its efforts to reopen the case.
“USA Gymnastics was notified by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Monday that their rules do not allow for an arbitral award to be reconsidered even when conclusive new evidence is presented,” wrote the program.
The court’s decision comes amid growing criticism of how the investigation was handled, as new reports suggest that the CAS did not handle the process correctly.
USA Today’s Christine Brennan reported on Monday night that the court was required to contact officials from both the U.S. and Romania; however, the CAS allegedly contacted the incorrect officials from USA Gymnastics when reaching out.
USA Gymnastics said it intends to argue against the CAS ruling, adding that additional steps will be taken to fight back against it:
“We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal, to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”
Many former athletes have voiced their support for the two-time Olympian, with former Team USA gymnast Aly Raisman saying it was a “completely devastating” experience for Chiles.
“I don’t think people realize these gymnasts work their entire lives for this moment, and it’s supposed to be a celebration. … I think it’s so unfair,” she explained, as previously reported by DX.
