The fight for Jordan Chiles to keep her bronze medal took another sensational turn Wednesday night with the USA Olympic Committee (USOPC) accusing the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS) of making astonishing errors in its handling of the case.
The USOPC said CAS emailed the wrong people at the American organization to update them on the steps being taken against Chiles, leaving them with minimal time to act accordingly before it was ruled that Romania’s Ana Barbosu would take the USA gymnast’s bronze from the floor final.
USOPC said in statement – reported by USA Today – that notices were sent to ‘incorrect email addresses’ and that it took three days for CAS to make contact with Chris McCleary, its general counsel, after Romania made its appeal over Chiles’ score.
‘Our objections have since been validated by new evidence indicating administrative errors by FIG (The International Gymnastics Federation) and mishandlings by CAS, which would have been impossible to raise at the time of the rushed hearing. In short, we were denied a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
‘Given these circumstances, we are committed to pursuing an appeal to ensure Jordan Chiles receives the recognition she deserves. Our pursuit of truth in this matter remains unwavering.’
Earlier on Wednesday, CAS hit back at suggestions there had been a conflict of interest in the panel that ruled Chiles should lose her bronze.
Hamid G. Gharavi led the panel that decided Chiles should lose her medal at the expense of Romania’s Barbosu but it has since emerged Gharavi has worked with the Romanian government for around 10 years.
CAS said: ‘The court condemns the outrageous statements published in certain US media alleging that the panel, and more particularly its chairman, was biased due to other professional engagements or for reasons of nationality.
‘As none of the parties involved in this case has challenged any panel member during the procedure, it can reasonably be assumed that all parties were satisfied to have their case heard by this panel. Any subsequent criticism is without foundation or merit.’
According to The New York Times, panel members must complete a conflict of interest form before reviewing any case.
The publication said that Gharavi had disclosed his work with the Romanian government. The Times also says Gharavi refused to comment when approached by them.
