Simone Biles defends Jordan Chiles after bronze medal bombshell

Simone Biles has rallied behind her fellow U.S. gymnast Jordan Chiles, who is set to lose her Olympic bronze medal just five days after winning it. Biles sent a heartfelt message to Chiles, saying, “Sending you so much love Jordan. Keep your chin up Olympic champ! We love you!” Biles’ words of encouragement come as Chiles faces the heartbreaking news of being stripped of the medal she won in the women’s floor final on Monday.

Chiles originally finished third in the event after her score of 13.666, which had initially placed her fifth, was increased by 0.1 following an appeal from the U.S. coach. However, in a shocking turn of events, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that the judging panel was wrong to allow Chiles’ score to be increased. CAS stated that the original finishing order should be restored, meaning Chiles will lose her medal.

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Reacting to the ruling, Chiles announced on Instagram that she would be stepping away from social media “for my mental health.” Her sister, Jazmin Chiles, also expressed her anger over the decision, writing on Instagram, “Please keep Jordan (and my family) in your prayers. Racism is real, it exists, it is alive and well.”