Women’s gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics has been embroiled in controversy after American gymnast Jordan Chiles lost her bronze floor medal following a judge’s review. Now, Ana Maria Bărbosu, the Romanian gymnast who ultimately received the medal previously given to Chiles, is speaking out about the incident.
Bărbosu was presented with the bronze medal in Bucharest on 16 August, nearly a week after the Games concluded and after several days of discussions between the International Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics, and the Court of Arbitration for Sport. It was a mixed moment for her, to put it mildly.
“I can’t help but think about [fellow Romanian gymnast and eventual fourth-place finisher] Sabrina [Voinea] and Jordan right now,” Bărbosu said after receiving her medal, according to USA Today. “It’s a tricky situation for us, with so many unknowns and overwhelming feelings. I hope everyone understands that we haven’t done anything wrong at the Olympics. And that the Olympic spirit matters more than any disagreement between the authorities.”
“I want to believe that one day all three of us will get a bronze medal,” she added.
Chiles reportedly still has the bronze medal she was awarded, so Bărbosu was given a different one. “I didn’t realise how heavy it is,” Bărbosu told the audience at the medal ceremony. “I’m happy to have this medal and I hope to keep representing Romania at the highest level.”
