GymnastJordan Chilesmade history earlier this year as she stood tall on the first-ever all-Black podium at the Olympics.
But the history-making moment wasshort-lived.
Chiles is still fighting the decision after five very difficult months, she recently toldTODAY.
Jordan Chiles attends the 2024 MTV Video Music Awards at UBS Arena on September 11, 2024 in Elmont, New York.Mike Coppola/Getty Images
Everything was very right.
Everything was in the time that it needed to be, Chiles said.
It was Romanias counter appeal that saw the positions reverted with Chiles back at 13.666 and Barbosu at 13.700.
We athletes are not to be blamed, and the hate directed to us is painful.
We have not had any conversations, Chiles said.
Im going through the exact same thing.
But I have not spoken to her directly.
She is also awaiting additional communication from CAS as handled through her legal team.
That was just a portion of my story, Chiles said.
But its the truth.
That 13.766 was given to me, that bronze medal was given to me in the right way.
And thats what I just want everybody to understand.
Chiles was still awarded a gold medal as part of Team USAs womens artistic team all-around event win.
But she is also maintaining the significance of her disputed individual win.
It was an all-Black podium.
That was history made.
That was something Im very proud to be a part of, she said.
It was just something Ill always remember.
