American gymnast Jordan Chiles has posted her first message on Instagram since losing her bronze medal, saying the “unfair” decision “breaks my heart.” She also hit back at racist comments she’s received on social media.
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“I have no words,” Jordan Chiles responded in a post Thursday afternoon. “This decision feels unfair and is a blow, not just to me, but to everyone who has supported my journey.”
On August 5, the athlete was awarded third place after an artistic gymnastics event. Her score was re-evaluated upwards, allowing her to beat Romanian Ana Barbosu, AFP reported.
However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the American camp’s appeal to the judges had been filed four seconds beyond the regulation minute, thus exceeding the time limit. The reassessment was annulled, stripping him of the medal.
USA Gymnastics had attempted to appeal the decision, but it was rejected last Monday.
The gymnast is also the victim of racist comments on social media, which adds to her “broken heart.”
“I put my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country,” she wrote.
The Olympian also took the time to thank the Internet users who sent her nice messages in recent days.
Jordan Chiles still managed to climb to the top of the podium by winning the gold medal in the team competition.
