Following the held U.S. Gymnastics Championships one of the most successful gymnast Simone Biles has recently expressed her support for her teammate Jordan Chiles and even went on the extent of saying that there is a need for justice after the incident where the judging error gave no medals to Chiles who deserved at least a bronze medal in her category.
Chiles, who excels at floor and vault competitions, looked set to return with a bridesmaid’s medal or better again in this year’s campaign after putting in a successfully executed routine. Unfortunately, a mark for deduction off her floor exercise number four left quite a number of fans as well as pundits puzzled and bewildered. Chiles came in 4th with her effort and was very close to the bronze medal but instead many pointed out that such scoring was simply unjust. This situation has now generated lots of discussions across the gymnastics circles with concerns over the judging processes and the actual awarding of scores amongst others.
With regard to Jordan, people came out demanding for better treatment saying, “Jordan deserves better. The scoring wasn’t right and the judges should be accountable.” Biles’s concern reflected the sentiments of those engaged in the debate on bad scoring after witnessing a concert performance marred by unexplained judging distinctions.
Biles, who actively promotes the mental and physical strain placed on athletes, has been a constant proponent of transparency and fairness within that realm. At present, the case is made in relation to gymnastics which has been coming under increasing attack due to the nature of its scoring systems that are considered by some to be poorly wrought and ill defined.
Although Jordan Chiles is yet to come out on the issue herself, she is being supported by fans as well as the other gymnasts. Most of them are now requesting that the whole system of scoring be regulated in order to eliminate all chances of variations in the results obtained.
However, the same scandal has once more made it a thorny subject with regard to how athletes are treated in relation to the competition and the level playing field. Biles’ demand for ‘justice’ literally reverberates with the gymnastics community in a way that it offers hope to athletes like Chiles who have not been appreciated as the situation deserves.
There is a new galloping need for relief in gymnastics judging to which this controversy brings a rather critical looking head with the Paris 2024.
