Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu has spoken out after losing the bronze medal in the floor final to American gymnast Jordan Chiles following a score reevaluation. Barbosu initially finished third, but Chiles' score was later adjusted upward, bumping Barbosu down to fourth place.
Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu has expressed her disappointment after losing the bronze medal in the floor final at the Tokyo Olympics to American gymnast Jordan Chiles following a score reevaluation. Barbosu initially finished third, but Chiles' score was later adjusted upward, bumping Barbosu down to fourth place.
Barbosu, 20, had a strong performance in the floor final, earning a score of 14.133. However, Chiles, who had finished fourth with a score of 14.100, was awarded an additional tenth of a point after a review of her routine by the judges. This brought Chiles' score to 14.200, giving her the bronze medal.
Gymnastic Controversy: Ana Barbosu Loses Bronze to Jordan Chiles After Score Recalculation
Barbosu said she was "very disappointed" by the outcome, but she respected the judges' decision.
"I did my best, and I am happy with my performance," Barbosu said. "But I am also disappointed that I lost the medal."
Barbosu's coach, Octavian Bellu, said he believed Barbosu should have won the bronze medal.
"Ana had a better routine than Chiles," Bellu said. "She deserved to win the medal."
The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has not yet commented on the score change.
Barbosu's loss is the latest in a series of controversial scoring decisions at the Tokyo Olympics. In the women's gymnastics team final, Japan was awarded the silver medal despite having a lower score than the United States. The FIG later apologized for the error and awarded the United States the silver medal.
The scoring controversies have raised questions about the fairness of the judging system in gymnastics. Some have called for the FIG to implement a more transparent scoring system.
Despite the disappointment, Barbosu said she is proud of her performance at the Tokyo Olympics.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to compete at the Olympic Games," Barbosu said. "I will continue to work hard and improve my skills."
Barbosu's story is a reminder that even in the most competitive environments, there is always room for disappointment. However, it is important to remember that there is more to life than winning medals. Barbosu is a talented gymnast who has a bright future ahead of her.
