Simone Biles has Jordan Chiles’ back in her search for “justice.”
Chiles, the U.S. Olympics gymnast, has been embroiled in a controversy over the bronze medal from the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics, where there has been an administrative tug-of-war over whether the medal belongs to her or to Romanian gymnast Ana-Maria Bărbosu.
“We saw what you did,” Biles told People, referring to Chiles. “And it’s an unfortunate circumstance because something like this has never happened before and it’s truly a shame, but we wish all three girls could get the medal and unfortunately in gymnastics that’s not the case.”
Biles concluded, “Do we think they did the correct procedures to come to this ruling? No. That’s really why we want that justice for Jordan and why we’re going to keep supporting her and uplifting her.”
Bărbosu was initially ruled to be the bronze medal recipient, but an appeal from Team USA gave Chiles the higher score.
Later, it was ruled that the Team USA appeal did not happen within the required minute, although U.S. Gymnastics has insisted it occurred on time.
The Romanians have proposed that Chiles, Bărbosu and a third Romanian gymnast with a controversial score, Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, split the award.
In her interview with People, Biles continued to advocate for her teammate and has attempted to be a soundboard for any pent-up frustration.
“We’ve been FaceTiming, texting, just being girls,” Biles, 27, told People. “I did talk to her on one of the days, and I was like, ‘You know what, Jordan, you have to feel all these feels. Don’t let these emotions stop you. This will be the healthiest way to get all of this out.’ ”
Earlier this month, Chiles opened up on the medal saga.
“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,” she wrote as part of a lengthy statement.
“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 country.”
Chiles reportedly plans to keep her bronze medal.
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