Jordan Chiles releases first statement since being stripped of bronze medal: Significant blow [Video]

PARIS (AP) – American gymnast Jordan Chiles called an arbitration panel’s decision that she must return the bronze medal she was awarded in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics “unjust” and a “significant blow” in a message posted on social media Thursday.

The International Olympic Committee, in light of the decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, announced it would reallocate the bronze to Ana Barbosu of Romania.

It was thought Chiles had won the bronze after judges changed her score following an appeal by Team USA coach Cecile Landi. Romania successfully protested to the CAS that Landi’s appeal was not made within one minute of Chiles’ score being posted, and the panel ruled Saturday the bronze should go to Barbosu.

“I have no words,” Chiles wrote in an Instagram post. “This decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has championed my journey. To add to …