Second Romanian Gymnast Files Protest Over Controversial Olympic Floor Final as Jordan Chiles Fights for Medal

Mar. 15, 2025

Sabrina Maneca-Voinea and Jordan Chiles.Photo:Naomi Baker/Getty; Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty

Naomi Baker/Getty; Alex Gottschalk/DeFodi Images via Getty

The battle for bronze continues.

AsJordan Chilesand USA Gymnastics continue their fight to reclaim her medal in floor from theParis Olympics— after it wasstripped and given to Ana Barbosubased on a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport — a second Romanian gymnast has filed an appeal in an effort to gain the medal.

On Monday, Aug. 26, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation said in astatementthat an appeal has been filed with the Swiss Federal Tribunal on behalf of Sabrina Maneca-Voinea after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) denied her complaint from earlier this month that she was incorrectly scored.

Maneca-Voinea and the Romanian federation are arguing that the back-and-forth between Chiles' and Barbosu’s appeals would be irrelevant — and that Maneca-Voinea would be deemed the clear winner — if the judges hadn’t inaccurately deducted 0.10 points from her, claiming she stepped out of bounds.

According toUSA Today, replay footage shows that Maneca-Voinea did not step out of bounds during the final. Had Maneca-Voinea not been deducted the 0.10 points for the inaccurate penalty, she would have scored 13.800, putting her ahead of both Chiles and Barbosu.

Sabrina Maneca-Voinea of Romania.Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty

Daniela Porcelli/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty

The CAS rejected the Romanian federation’s appeal earlier this month and said the judgment “cannot be reviewed,” per USA Today.

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Now, the Romanian federation is taking their appeal beyond CAS to the Swiss Federal Tribunal in an attempt to raise Maneca-Voinea’s score and put her in third place. USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee have said they also intend to file an appeal with the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

Romanian gymnast Ana Maria Barbosu poses with the Olympic bronze medal.DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP via Getty Images

DANIEL MIHAILESCU/AFP via Getty Images

During the Aug. 5 final, Chiles (who performed her routine last) initially earned a score of 13.666, which would have left her in fifth place, while Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea both finished with 13.700. After the score came in, Chiles' coach Cecile Landi submitted an inquiry arguing that the judges hadn’t given proper consideration to the difficulty level of her routine in the initial score.

Rebeca Andrade (C) of Team Brazil, silver medalist Simone Biles (L) of Team United States and bronze medalist Jordan Chiles (R) of Team United States celebrate on the podium at the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Floor Exercise Medal Ceremony.Naomi Baker/Getty

Naomi Baker/Getty

But soon after, the Romanian Olympic committee argued that Landi hadn’t submitted her inquiry in time, claiming she was four seconds late. The CAS agreed with this appeal and Chiles' score was reverted back to 13.666.

“To add to the heartbreak, the unprompted racially driven attacks on social media are wrong and extremely hurtful. I’ve poured my heart and soul into this sport and I am so proud to represent my culture and my country.”

“I will approach this challenge as I have others — and will make every effort to ensure that justice is done. I believe that at the end of this journey, the people in control will do the right thing,” Chiles concluded.

source: people.com