Congressman Cohen Seeks Fairness for Jordan Chiles in Olympic Bronze Medal Dispute

MEMPHIS - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today wrote to Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, and Li Li Leung, President and CEO of USA Gymnastics, expressing his support and appreciation for their efforts to have Jordan Chiles' Bronze Medal restored for her performance in the Women's Floor Exercise.

The letter reads in part:

"I write to express my support and appreciation for your effort to restore Jordan Chiles' Olympic Bronze Medal for the Gymnastics Women's Floor Exercise. I have been watching the Olympics closely since 1960, and these games were some of the most inspiring and heartwarming ever. After such a successful games, it is deeply disappointing for this injustice to be the last, sour taste of Paris.

"When weighing the equities at stake, the miscalculation of Ms. Chiles' score and when an inquiry about this issue was raised on her behalf, the conclusion seems obvious. The rules and procedures should be structured to promote fair play, not to protect against judging mistakes. Further, it is preposterous that an arbitrator could refuse to reconsider a very recent wrongfully decided case in the face of 'conclusive evidence.' The Paris Olympics was a wonderful event, and I am disheartened that, in its closing, we are discussing this injustice rather than Tom Cruise, as Ethan Hunt, racing off to Los Angeles for the Games in 2028.

"I fully support and commend you on your vigorous advocacy on behalf of Ms. Chiles and all those who strive and compete. If I can be helpful in this endeavor, please do not hesitate to reach out."

See the entire letter here.

Congressman wrote on Monday to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) raising the same issues. See that letter here.

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