The Olympic Event Where Nobody Won

By Nadia Leunig

Secretary, Board of Directors

One of the most controversial events at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics was the women’s gymnastics floor final.  Due to judging errors and ensuing protocols, third place scores have changed several times, and the bronze medal has changed hands.  Regardless of where the blame truly lies, our 24/7 news cycle (improperly) demands decisions are made and information is disseminated without proper attempts to cross-check facts.  This highlights everyone’s responsibility to act in good faith and recognize that humanity is bound to make mistakes.
 
Romanians Sabrina Maneca-Voinea and Ana Maria Barbouso found themselves in the middle of the controversy with American Jordan Chiles.  To summarize, Voinea was both penalized for something she didn’t do while also having a separate appeal for her difficulty score denied.  Barbouso’s score should have left her earning a bronze medal.  And Chiles’ score was appealed for difficulty, leading to a score increase and winning bronze ahead of Barbouso.  However, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned Chiles’ appeal and awarded the bronze medal to Barbouso.  In short, three separate athletes all felt they could have walked away with a bronze medal:  one who was improperly penalized and wonders what could have been, one who won the bronze and had it taken away, and one who thought she had it, then didn’t, then won it.
 
Throughout this time, people have taken to their keyboards and launched attacks at literally everyone who was a part of this decision.  The athletes have continued to show great sportsmanship to each other and organizations during this time, encapsulated by a quote from Barbouso following her reception of the bronze:
 
“I can’t help but think about Sabrina and Jordan right now.  It’s a difficult situation for us, with so many uncertainties and overwhelming emotions.  I hope everyone understands that we have not done anything wrong at the Olympics, and that the Olympic spirit is more important than any misunderstanding between authorities.  I want to believe that the day will come when all three of us will receive a bronze medal each.”
 
At the end of the day, the athletes must respect the decisions of the officials.  Whether all three women get a bronze medal, or it stays with Ana Maria Barbouso, we can take this time to decide how we construct our conversations and guide it to the positives of sportsmanship rather than the negative nature that we see so often.  We should be mindful and decide to build people up rather than break others down.