Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal snatched by head of panel who represents Romanian interests

By Steve Henson
Staff Writer
Aug. 14, 2024 9:02 AM PT

Like any world-class gymnast, Jordan Chiles is familiar with contortions and flips. But what she has endured since giving her all in the floor exercise at the Paris Olympics makes the most difficult routine seem like child’s play.

The latest: It appears that the head of the three-person Court of Arbitration for Sport panel that snatched her bronze medal has a conflict of interest because he is a lawyer who has represented Romanian interests for years.

Hamid G. Gharavi, president of the panel that also included Philippe Sands and Song Lu, is currently serving as legal counsel to Romania in disputes at the World Bank’s International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes, according to documents first reported by the International Institute for Conflict Prevention & Resolution. Gharavi’s work on behalf of Romania dates back at least to 2011, according to his resume.

USA Gymnastics said it had been notified by the court that under its rules, the decision cannot be reconsidered “even when conclusive new evidence is presented.” The CAS verdict was cloaked in secrecy and the court published a terse, one-page statement confirming the decision, saying a detailed document outlining the reasoning behind the outcome eventually will be distributed.

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