The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will not reconsider its ruling that cost US gymnast Jordan Chiles an Olympic bronze medal in floor exercise, despite new evidence tendered by USA Gymnastics.
At first, it seemed like Chiles would win the bronze after Team USA challenged the difficulty of her routine and won. The decision went against Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu who then did not receive the award.
CAS then reversed the re-evaluation process, arguing that the appeal from Team USA came four seconds late thereby making it impossible for them to retain their claim and get this responded on time; thus, International Olympic Committee awarded Barbosu with a medal.
USAG sent a letter along with video footage to CAS which led to discussions on Sunday. This video showed that team coach Cecile Landi’s request for filing an inquiry was made 47 seconds after the score went up only since International Gymnastics Federation had provided one minute deadline. Landi also filed a second statement 55 seconds after getting her initial score post.
According to USA Gymnastics, at the instant of the first CAS decision no video material supporting their claim existed so they were unable to present this piece during hearing.
USA Gymnastics tried persuading CAS to reconsider their case using additional video proof showing that their appeal had been done within given period. According to an Parami report, CAS dismissed this attempt yesterday.
“Even where there is concrete new evidence presented,” read a statement from CAS sent out on Monday, “the rules of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) do not permit it or any other arbitral awards being reviewed again.”
USA Gymnastics has now looked into alternative methods which may help resolve this matter in favor of Chiles such as appealing before Swiss Federal Tribunal.
“We are deeply disappointed by the notification and will continue to pursue every possible avenue and appeal process, including to the Swiss Federal Tribunal,” USA Gymnastics stated, “to ensure the just scoring, placement, and medal award for Jordan.”
