Jordan Chiles’ mother reacts to the final verdict over Gymnastics medal

The debacle at the Olympic floor final has left many questioning who is responsible. The answer remains unclear as different explanations are being considered.

Recently, FIG President Morinari Watanabe added a new perspective to the ongoing controversy, but none of these verdicts have calmed the ire Jordan Chiles’ family feel

Amid the uproar following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruling that stripped Jordan Chiles of her bronze medal in the Olympic floor final, awarding it to Romania’s Ana Barbosu, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) remained largely silent.

On August 24, FIG President Morinari Watanabe finally addressed the issue, attributing the controversy to the lack of technology used in the judging process. Watanabe emphasized that such mistakes must never happen again and stressed the need for innovation in sports judging.

Jordan Chiles’ mother was especially angry

Jordan Chiles’ mother, Gina Chiles, expressed disappointment over Watanabe’s statement. She criticized the FIG’s failure to use technology during the Olympics, calling it a missed opportunity. In a post on social media, she voiced her frustration.

“This statement is a tragedy. ChatGPT would have done you wonders here,” Gina Chiles posted.

Watanabe continued his remarks by advocating for the integration of technology in sports judging. He acknowledged that while technology is now common in many sports, the FIG has fallen behind.

“We need change, we need challenges, and we need the courage to move forward,” Watanabe said, pointing to the lack of courage to embrace new methods as the cause of the floor final’s controversy.

Despite addressing the need for technological advancements, Watanabe’s bulletin failed to mention Jordan Chiles or Ana Barbosu, further frustrating those affected by the decision. Cecile Landi, Jordan Chiles’ coach, criticized the statement, pointing out that it did not address the athletes’ struggles.

“Nothing is said regarding the athletes and what they have endured and still do! Do better @gymnastics,” Landi posted on Twitter.