The Swiss Federal Supreme Court has ordered the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to re-examine U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles' case regarding her bronze medal from the 2024 Paris Olympics. The decision, announced on Jan. 23, follows the submission of new audio-visual evidence that could support Chiles' claim to the medal.
Core Facts and Developments
Chiles initially finished fifth in the women's floor exercise final on Aug. 5, 2024, but was later awarded bronze after a judging inquiry by U.S. coach Cecile Landi added an extra tenth of a point to her score. However, the CAS ruled in August 2024 that the inquiry was filed four seconds too late, stripping Chiles of her medal and demoting her to fifth place.
Deeper Context and Perspectives
The Swiss Federal Supreme Court acknowledged that the new evidence may justify modifying the CAS's decision. The court referred the case back to the CAS for re-examination, taking the new evidence into account. USA Gymnastics has pledged its support for Chiles, stating that the evidence proves the inquiry was filed within the required one-minute window as per FIG (International Gymnastics Federation) rules.
Chiles, a UCLA gymnast, has been backed by the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee in her legal fight to retain the medal. The case highlights ongoing debates about judging protocols and the role of technology in sports arbitration.