US star STRIPPED of medal at Olympics just days after winning it
One of USA's gymnastic stars has been forced to hand back her Olympic medal after heartbreaking ruling..
Having been awarded bronze in Monday's individual floor final, controversy has surrounding proceedings in Paris.
With the Court of Arbitration for Sport having intervened, the 23-year-old is currently caught up in a storm.
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Jordan Chiles, who finished third in her event earlier this week, was caught up in late drama as her routine involved a late score change.
It has now transpired that CAS's verdict indicated the judges during the final improperly granted an inquiry that increased Chiles' overall score.
Chiles' appeal was submitted late and past a one-minute deadline and therefore should not have been accepted.
"We are devastated by the Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling," read a joint statement from the USA Gymnastics and the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee.
"The inquiry into the Difficulty Value of Jordan Chiles' floor exercise routine was filed in good faith and, we believed, in accordance with the FIG rules to ensure accurate scoring.
"Throughout the appeal process, Jordan has been subject to consistent, utterly baseless and extremely hurtful attacks on social media.
"No athlete should be subject to such treatment.
"We commend Jordan for conducting herself with integrity both on and off the competition floor, and we continue to stand by and support her."
CAS issued a response to their initial findings.
"The Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) shall determine the ranking of the Final of the women’s Floor exercise and assign the medal(s) in accordance with the above decision," CAS said.
Simone Biles won silver for Team USA, while Brazil's Rebeca Andrade claimed the gold.
Chiles' original score has now been reinstated, dropping her back into fifth place.
The International Olympic Committee said it will reallocate the bronze medal to Romanian's Ana Barbosu.
Topics: Olympics, Gymnastics
Matthew Holt