Coach hits back at Olympics cheating claims after athlete wins bronze medal in controversial score change

A Team USA gymnastics coach has bit back at Olympics cheating claims after she celebrated a bronze medal win in a controversial score change.

Now, it all kicked off when the incredibly talented Jordan Chiles was awarded with the third place accolade for the floor final, following a difficulty score inquiry submitted by her coach, Cecile Canqueteau-Landi.

Due to the score change, Team Romania's Ana Barbosu lost her place on the podium, E!News reports.

While many fans rushed to congratulate Jordan for her first-ever Olympic medal win, it's clear others were hell-bent that there was some foul-play at hand following the decision.

One internet troll commented: "The coaches cheated so Jordan could get a medal! What a coincidence."

This prompted an avalanche of support from fans backing Cecile who herself decided to share her response to the accusation.

She directly replied to the comment starting off: "I shouldn’t have to explain but I will ONCE.

"Jordan’s highest possible SV on floor is a 5.9 - At quals and team finals she received a 5.8 and we didn’t question it because we saw that not all elements were completed.

"During floor finals, we thought I was better and being placed 5th with nothing to lose, I sent the inquiry so I wouldn’t regret not asking."

Cecile continued: "I didn’t think it would be accepted and at my surprise it was. "Jordan won this bronze medal and didn’t steal anything from anyone. I simply did my job and fought for my athlete."

The coach added: "Do I feel bad for the Romanian athlete? Of course I do!

"It was so sad and heartbreaking to see but it is the sport!

"You don’t have to like it but you do have to respect the outcome and more importantly respect Jordan and not drag her down because you disagree."

Cecile then rounded off the response praising Jordan stating: "She EARNED that bronze medal, her 1st individual Olympic medal and I couldn’t be more proud and excited!"

Another Instagram user praised: "THANK YOU for fighting for her!! Think most of us cried tears of joy seeing your reactions!"

A second penned: "Thank you for advocating for her. She and the whole team are lucky to have you."

And a final Instagram user added: "Everyone should have a coach like you."

The Associated Press states that 'inquiries are a standard part of gymnastics competitions' and 'scores can be adjusted up or down based on an inquiry'.