Simone Biles is looking out for her Olympics teammate Jordan Chiles amid the gymnast being stripped of her bronze medal.
In a new interview, Biles says she has been in contact with Chiles by uplifting her amid the challenging moments.
“We’ve been FaceTiming, texting, just being girls,” Biles told People about her conversations with Chiles “I did talk to her 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.’”
Biles said that she saw what Chiles did at the 2024 Olympics and added, “It’s an unfortunate circumstance because something like this has never happened before and it’s truly a shame, but we wish all three girls could get the medal and unfortunately in gymnastics that’s not the case.”
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She continued, “Do we think they did the correct procedures to come to this ruling? No. That’s really why we want that justice for Jordan and why we’re going to keep supporting her and uplifting her.”
The controversy over the Chiles’ bronze medal came after the gymnast finished fifth in the floor routine at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Chiles’ coach, Cecile Landi, filed an appeal, and her score was adjusted, moving her to third place. However, it was further noted that the U.S. appeal was made four seconds too late, and the ruling was reversed.
“While celebrating my Olympic accomplishments, I heard the devastating news that my bronze medal had been stripped away,” Chiles said on August 15. “I had confidence in the appeal brought by (USA Gymnastics), who gave conclusive evidence that my score followed all the rules. This appeal was unsuccessful.”
Chiles noted that the “decision feels unjust and comes as a significant blow.”
“I am now confronted with one of the most challenging moments of my career,” she said. “Believe me when I say I have had many. 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.”