Olympic athlete’s controversial reaction after small rule saw her miss out on final
Jess Hardiman
Featured Image Credit: Alvaro Diaz/Europa Press/Jamie Squire/Getty Images
An athlete from Team USA divided opinion at this year's Olympics after her reaction to missing out on a spot in the final due to the fine print of the rules.
American gymnast Jordan Chiles, 23, lost her place in the final alongside teammates Simone Biles and Suni Lee.
Lee was required to record a score of 14.800 or higher to beat Chiles and secure a place in the final alongside Biles.
Her strong performance didn't come as too much of a surprise - being the reigning Olympic all-around champion - and she succeeded, delivering a spellbinding routine that earned the score of 14.866.
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Chiles finished just .067 points behind Lee.
Ultimately, the rules state that each competing country (in this case, the United States) is limited to two athletes.
Therefore, Chiles sadly lost her spot.
In the aftermath, Chiles had a very distinct reaction to her teammate Lee's performance landing her in the final - and it's totally divided viewers and commentators on social media.
The Athletic described 'her eyes staring straight ahead and her mouth set in a grim line'.
There was also debate about if she was sincere enough in her congratulations for Lee.
Josina Anderson, a reporter for the NFL, wrote on X: "Suni Lee deserved a better embrace from Jordan Chiles after edging Chiles for All-Around individuals.
"I understand it’s a tough pill to swallow after putting on dynamic performances herself. I also understand that sometimes all of us need more time to process before putting on a face and acknowledging present circumstances.
"Still the camera is on, and she has to maintain her usual grace and well-known charisma wherever her results land in the standings."
One fan wrote: "Couldn’t help see that Jordan Chiles looked p***ed at Suni Lee after their placing in the uneven bars.
"Why is she p***ed at her?? It’s not her fault she scored better! I really don’t like when gymnasts act like that. Ur all in it together!"
Another said: "Highly disagree. These athletes work their entire lives for one moment. Getting beat by only .067 after years and years of blood sweat and tears… it’s disappointing to be so close … do not shame anyone for how they process decades of dedication to their craft at the moment of their defeat."
Another said: "Nah, she deserved to feel exactly how she was feeling. She didn't shun the embrace, but like everyone else she worked for that moment and in that moment she was disappointed.
"She shouldn't have to hide behind a mask because the cameras are in her face."