In a surprising turn of events, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has restored Romanian gymnast Ana Barbosu to third place in the women's floor exercise final at the Paris Olympics. This decision potentially puts American gymnast Jordan Chiles in a difficult position, as she may be forced to return the bronze medal she won in the event.

FIG announced that the initial order of finish has been reinstated, with Barbosu reclaiming the third spot, followed by her Romanian teammate Sabrina Maneca-Voinea in fourth place, and Chiles now in fifth place. However, FIG clarified that the final decision regarding the allocation of medals lies with the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

The FIG's ruling came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) dismissed an appeal made by Team USA coach Cecile Landi during the competition. Landi's appeal had resulted in Chiles being elevated to third place, but CAS deemed that the appeal had been made outside the 1-minute window allowed by FIG rules.

In their statement, CAS emphasized that the initial finishing order should be restored, reinstating Barbosu to third place, Maneca-Voinea to fourth place, and Chiles to fifth place. The organization left it to FIG to determine the final rankings and the recipient of the bronze medal, with gold winner Rebeca Andrade of Brazil and silver medalist Simone Biles of the United States already securing their positions on the podium.

When approached for comment, FIG spokesperson Meike Behrensen affirmed that "Reallocation of medals is the responsibility of the IOC." This suggests that the ultimate decision regarding Chiles and the bronze medal will be made by the IOC, leaving the gymnast's fate uncertain.

As the gymnastics community awaits the final verdict on the medal allocation, the restoration of Ana Barbosu to third place highlights the importance of adhering to competition rules and the strict time limits for appeals. The outcome of this situation may have far-reaching implications for both Ana Barbosu and Jordan Chiles, as their Olympic journeys hang in the balance.

It remains to be seen how the IOC will decide on the matter, and whether Chiles will be required to return the bronze medal she earned in what had initially been a controversial turn of events. The gymnastics world eagerly awaits the resolution of this captivating Olympic saga.