The fight for Jordan Chiles to keep her bronze medal took another sensational turn Wednesday night with the USA Olympic Committee (USOPC) accusing the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) of making astonishing errors in its handling of the case.
The USOPC said CAS emailed the wrong people at the American organization to update them on the steps being taken against Chiles, leaving them with minimal time to act accordingly before it was ruled that Romania’s Ana Barbosu would take the USA gymnast’s bronze from the floor final.
USOPC said in statement – reported by USA Today – that notices were sent to ‘incorrect email addresses’ and that it took three days for CAS to make contact with Chris McCleary, its general counsel, after Romania made its appeal over Chiles’ score.
‘The USOPC strongly contests the CAS decision due to significant procedural errors.
From August 6-9, CAS sent crucial communications to erroneous email addresses at USOPC and USAG, an error not corrected until Aug. 9 – three days after filing, two days past the deadline to submit objections and less than 24 hours before the hearing,’ the statement said.
It adds: ‘This deprived us of adequate time to respond meaningfully or gather necessary evidence. We informed CAS of our objections immediately.
‘Our objections have since been validated by new evidence indicating administrative errors by FIG (The International Gymnastics Federation) and mishandlings by CAS, which would have been impossible to raise at the time of the rushed hearing. In short, we were denied a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
‘Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to ensure Jordan Chiles receives the recognition she deserves. Our pursuit of truth in this matter remains unwavering.’
Earlier on Wednesday, CAS hit back at suggestions there had been a conflict of interest in the panel that ruled Chiles should lose her bronze.
