Jordan Chiles controversy forces CAS to go defensive after gymnast was forced to return her medal
Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) defend the decision to strip Jordan Chiles and handing her Paris Olympics medal to Ana Barbosu.
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Jordan Chiles was stripped of her bronze medal from the Paris Olympics (Image via MEFeater/X)
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) deciding to stand their ground and keep the bronze medal away from Jordan Chiles has the entire nation disappointed. Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu ended up being the benefactor, despite USA Gymnastics showing proof that their protest was lodged within the time limit at the Paris Olympics.
Since then, reports alleging bias by CAS panel chairman Hamid G. Gharavi in favor of Romanian interests have ignited widespread debate. The controversy quickly gained traction in U.S. media, and as these discussions and allegations spread to Europe, CAS was compelled to respond.
The court condemns the outrageous statements published in certain U.S. media alleging that the panel, and more particularly its chairman, was biased due to other professional engagements or for reasons of nationality. As none of the parties involved in this case has challenged any panel member during the procedure, it can reasonably be assumed that all parties were satisfied to have their case heard by this panel. Any subsequent criticism is without foundation or merit.CAS’ released statement read
This was in retaliation to reports that suggest Gharavi favored the country he has personal ties with. It may be a statement, but it hasn’t managed to quiet down the allegations.
Gharavi serves as legal counsel to Romania at the World Bank’s International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes and has been working with Romania for nearly 10 years. After the New York Times published this finding, it sparked criticism.
After all, USA Gymnastics had proved with video evidence that their protest at the Paris Olympics was lodged well before the time limit. But CAS dismissed the evidence and stood their ground, handing the medal to Romania’s Ana Barbosu.
CAS, Jordan Chiles and Los Angeles Olympics 2028
Jordan Chiles is 23 and has shown signs of a great future in gymnastics. She is likely to take this setback in her stride and push herself to win on pure merit. With the next stop being in Los Angeles, she will also have the home crowd rooting behind her. However, it goes without saying, this entire incident will take on an unusual shape in Los Angeles.
The CAS and the IOC will be aware of this controversy and whatever else took place during the Paris Olympics. Therefore, it will be an uncomfortable situation. Not only will Chiles want to prove them wrong, but the Los Angeles Olympic committee will do its best to ensure such third-party rulings do not come in the way of American athletes.
This is the second instance of widely discussed appeal that the CAS has faced after the Paris Olympics. India is still reeling from the anguish of wrestler Vinesh Phogat‘s disqualification. It would be better to avoid such instances in Los Angeles. As then the spotlight will be much more than what it was in Paris.
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Joseph Varghese
(2455 Articles Published)