Eighteen-year-old Romanian gymnast Ana Bărbosu took to her Instagram story with a show of empathy for American gymnast Jordan Chiles who had been under the impression she nabbed bronze only for Team USA’s successful review.
“Sabrina, Jordan, my thoughts are with you,” Barbosu, 18, wrote on her story, referring to compatriot Sabrina Maneca-Voinea, who finished in fourth. “I know what you are feeling, because I’ve been through the same. But I know you’ll come back stronger. I hope from deep of my heart that at the next Olympics, all three of us will share same podium. This is my true dream!”
Barbosu’s win came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed that Team USA had requested a review on behalf of Chiles too late. It was a decision that, in effect, knocked Chiles off the medal stand as she initially joined teammate Simone Biles on it to celebrate her first individual Olympic hardware and relegated her from bronze to fifth.
Barbosu also seemed to take aim at how the matter was managed by Olympic officials in her post.
“This situation would not have existed if the persons in charge had respected the regulation,” Barbosu wrote. “We, athletes are not to be blamed, and the hate directed to us is painful. I wanted to end this edition of the Olympic Games 2024 Paris in the spirit of Olympism, the true value of the world.”
Reactions to the decision have been mixed. Chiles’ medal was vacated, a ruling that confounded those rooting for her. Yet both Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea were bumped up in the standings.
In the meantime, Team USA is challenging that call with video evidence suggesting their inquiry was officially filed within one minute of competition. The atmosphere is still charged, amid concern from figures around the world such as Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu — boycotting the closing ceremony in response.
But while the discussion unfolds, Barbosu’s tale of unity and good sportsmanship remains a beacon — she dreams that one day all three gymnasts can be celebrated for their talents on stage at once.
