Olympic Gymnastics dazzles with its incredible twists and turns, but the floor final on August 5, 2024, is turning heads and raising eyebrows as one of the sport’s most unforgettable moments. Even five days later, the drama is far from cooling down. After Jordan Chiles won a hard-fought appeal for a bronze medal, the Romanian Olympic Committee stirred the pot by challenging the final score given to Sabrina Maneca-Voinea. It looks like the ball is now in FIG’s court! Before that so, what’s the scoop behind this unfolding controversy?
It started when Jordan Chiles appeared to miss out on a medal, finishing fifth with a score of 13.666. However, her coach, Cecile Landi, submitted an inquiry questioning the judges’ evaluation. The appeal was granted, and Chiles’ difficulty score was adjusted from 5.8 to 5.9, boosting her total score to 13.766 and securing the bronze medal. This unexpected turnaround prompted jubilation from Chiles and her supporters.
In response to this, the Romanian Olympic Committee has contested Sabrina Maneca-Voinea’s final score. On August 5, Maneca-Voinea was penalized with a 0.1 deduction for stepping out of bounds, which resulted in a final score of 13.700. However, replays seemed to show that her heel was actually within the boundaries.
Romanian Olympic Committee President Mihai Covaliu has called for a review of the scoring, criticizing the International Gymnastics Federation for not providing full reasoning for the initial appeal’s rejection. He voiced concerns about the impact on the athletes’ mental health and the integrity of international gymnastics.
Adding to the drama, Ana Barbosu, Maneca-Voinea’s teammate, had initially scored the same as Sabrina but was awarded a higher placement due to better execution. Jordan Chiles’ revised score edged her past both Sabrina and Ana, thrusting her into the bronze medal position.
This sudden shift reverberated globally, with Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu even announcing a boycott of the Closing Ceremony. Legendary gymnast Nadia Comaneci also expressed dismay, highlighting the emotional toll on athletes. But what next? It seems now IOC has much to say but the decision is in FIG’s hands.
Latest updates on gymnastics judging discrepancies, what’s Jordan Chiles’s Status
Here are the latest updates, 7:25 pm: The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has identified discrepancies in the judging of the gymnastics floor final. While CAS will assess the case, it won’t directly award medals. Should Romania prevail, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) would need to address the issue with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
CAS identified gaps in the final's judging
CAS will judge the case, not award medals. If
wins, they've to address FIG
The problem:
FIG would ask IOC for medals, they'll refuse because FIG needs to change the result & their rules say they can'tWhere's justice for Ana&Sabri? pic.twitter.com/8VHiuKsGZa
— GYMeme (@ROUWAGdeArkan) August 10, 2024
However, the IOC is expected to reject any request for medal changes, as FIG rules prohibit altering results. The hearings are currently in progress, and early indications suggest positive developments for Sabrina Voinea and Ana Barbosu. The session began at 9:30 AM, and the jury had already noted issues with the final’s refereeing system.
Here’s the latest update: The hearing has been ongoing for five hours as of 8:00 AM. Present at the session were Donatella Sacchi, Sabrina Voinea, and Jordan Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) has identified several errors in the judging of the floor final. Romania has asked for two bronze medals to be given to Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Voinea. They have also agreed for Jordan Chiles to keep her bronze medal.
The hearing has been going for 5 hours now.
Sacchi, Voinea & Landi were present.
CAS identified multiple mistakes in the floor final judging
Romania requested two bronze medals for Ana & Sabrina, as well to let Jordan keep hers. https://t.co/bq9feCTFxN pic.twitter.com/uBcpF6Ba7o
— GYMeme (@ROUWAGdeArkan) August 10, 2024
Update at 8:29 AM: The Romanian Gymnastics Federation mentioned that Ana Barbosu and Sabrina Voinea might potentially receive bronze medals. The legal process concluded.
FRG
The court is over. Now we wait. pic.twitter.com/ybjJ3zwozV
— GYMeme (@ROUWAGdeArkan) August 10, 2024
Update 8:50 PM: At last, Sabin Gherdan, a lawyer, from Romania representing CAS suggested the possibility of reaching a settlement with the USA. This could lead to Jordan Chiles, Ana Barbosu, and Sabrina Voinea each receiving bronze medals. Such a development would completely change the scenario. This could result in a satisfying outcome, for everyone concerned.
CASE CLOSED FOR NOW!
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