A Rollercoaster of Emotions
In an emotional interview on Today on August 8, 2024, Jordan Chiles, 23, opened up about the whirlwind of emotions she felt after competing in the floor exercise final at the 2024 Paris Olympics. “Honestly, there were so many emotions going through my body in that moment,” Chiles said. “There were a lot of things happening, from me not being on the podium to me being on the podium. I think the biggest thing is just always understanding not to doubt yourself and just to let everything ride out how it’s supposed to be.”
Chiles had initially placed fifth in the final on August 5, 2024, but after Team USA filed an inquiry about one of her skills, the judges agreed with the appeal, bumping her up to third place and awarding her a bronze medal.
Emotional Moments and Support System
Reflecting on the moment, Chiles admitted it was overwhelming: “Everybody was crying. Those were true emotions.” She also credited her strong support system, particularly her close relationship with fellow gymnast Simone Biles. “Simone [Biles] is like a big sister to me, [my coach] Cécile [Canqueteau-Landi] is like another mom,” she said, emphasizing how their support played a critical role in her success. “Simone has done so much for me, and I feel like, in that moment, I realized that.”
Controversy and Sportsmanship
While Chiles celebrated her victory, the decision was met with some controversy. Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu, who had initially finished in third place, was seen celebrating before realizing that the results had been altered. Barbosu later took to Instagram to express her gratitude for her supporters while also sharing her disappointment over the change in ranking. “Thank you to everyone who encouraged me before, during, and after the competition,” she wrote.
Despite the appeal, Chiles’ coach, Cécile Canqueteau-Landi, strongly defended the decision. When one user speculated that Chiles’ appeal may have been an act of cheating, Canqueteau-Landi clarified the situation on Instagram, writing, “I didn’t steal anything from anyone. I simply did my job and fought for my athlete.”
Celebrating Chiles’ Achievement
Despite the controversy surrounding the result, Canqueteau-Landi was quick to express her immense pride in Chiles’ hard-fought victory. “She earned that bronze medal, her 1st individual Olympic medal, and I couldn’t be more proud and excited!”
As Team USA continues to make history at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Chiles’ bronze medal is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the power of perseverance, teamwork, and fighting for what’s rightfully earned.
