"Don’t let these emotions stop you’-Simone Biles issues words of advice to Jordan Chiles amid Paris Olympics bronze medal controversy

Renowned American gymnast Simone Biles has offered some advice to fellow gymnast Jordan Chiles following a disheartening outcome that led to the latter losing her bronze medal in the floor exercise event at the Paris Olympics 2024. Both Biles and Chiles had earlier contributed to the USA’s gold-medal triumph in the women’s all-around team event at the quadrennial games.

Chiles secured 13.666 points after performing her routine in the floor exercise finals. This took her to the fifth position in the event, with Romania’s Ana Bărbosu and Sabrina Voinea placed ahead of her, with 13.700 points each.

However, following an appeal by Jordan Chiles' team, her position was upgraded to third place, with a revised score of 13.766 points, thus earning the bronze medal. Consequently, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), stating that Chiles and her team submitted their appeal in 1 minute and 4 seconds which exceeded the 1-minute deadline.

As a result, the CAS ruling came in the favor of Ana Bărbosu, leading to a revision of Chiles' score from 13.766 to 13.666 points, dropping her to fifth place. Based on CAS’ ruling, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) confirmed the updated rankings and requested Chiles to return her bronze as Bărbosu was awarded the medal, resulting in a heartbreak for the American.

Since the incident, Chiles has constantly been in touch with seven-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles, who has offered her advice and support. In an exclusive interaction with People.com, Biles said:

“We’ve been FaceTiming, texting, just being girls. I did talk to her [Chiles] on one of the days, and I was like, ‘You know what, Jordan, you have to feel all these feels. Don’t let these emotions stop you. This will be the healthiest way to get all of this out.’”

It is worth noting that Chiles hasn’t returned the bronze medal yet and the USA Gymnastics has taken the appeal to the Swiss Federal Tribunal.

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles developed a strong friendship after being roommates in 2018

Simone Biles (L) and Jordan Chiles (R). (Photo by Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)

Simone Biles and Jordan Chiles got closer to each other after becoming roommates during the World Championship team trials held in 2018. Biles invited Chiles to train with her at the World Champions Centre located in Spring, Texas, also owned by her family.

Biles also helped Chiles in becoming more confident in her own skin and appearance. Both of them have supported one another during their good and bad times.

During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Biles shared glimpses of the duo having a fun time at the Olympic Village as she uploaded multiple pictures with Chiles on her Instagram handle.