Romanian Gymnast’s Score Sparks Controversy and Appeal After Floor Exercise Drama at Olympics

There’s more drama surrounding the women’s floor exercise final, which has caused an uproar in Romania.

PARIS, France — The Romanian Olympic Committee has lodged an appeal regarding Sabrina Maneca-Voinea’s score in the floor exercise final at the Paris Games. The appeal followed a last-minute inquiry by American rival Jordan Chiles, inciting heartbreak and rage from Romania, a former gymnastics powerhouse.

Maneca-Voinea and her teammate Ana Barbosu both received scores of 13.700, leaving them outside the medals. Initially, Barbosu believed she had secured bronze due to a higher execution score and celebrated proudly with the Romanian flag.

Chiles, the final athlete to compete, was initially ranked fifth, behind Maneca-Voinea. However, her coaches called for a review of her score. Judges raised Chiles’ total by 0.1, enabling her to surpass both Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea for the last spot on the podium.

Maneca-Voinea faced a 0.1 deduction for allegedly stepping out of bounds during her routine, but replays suggested her heel had narrowly stayed inbounds. Despite this, the deduction stood.

Mihai Covaliu, President of the Romanian Olympic Committee, protested the decision in a letter to the International Gymnastics Federation. He argued that the scoring method and lack of transparency in the appeal process harmed international gymnastics’ image and affected the athletes’ mental health.

The gymnastics federation has not confirmed whether it received Romania’s appeal or if it would hear it. The timing of Romania’s initial challenge remains unclear.

In addition, the Romanian Gymnastics Federation announced its request submission to the Court of Arbitration for Sport related to Chiles’ coaches’ inquiry.

“We’re aware of the negative impact on Ana Maria Barbosu and Sabrina Maneca-Voinea. Our aim is to correct the mistakes made by the judges and to restore the rights of our athletes,” the federation said.

Results of the floor exercise have incited widespread outrage in Romania. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu declared he would boycott the closing ceremony due to the “scandalous situation.” He pledged that Romania would recognize Barbosu and Maneca-Voinea as Olympic medalists in all respects, including prizes.

Gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci expressed her disbelief on social media, criticizing the handling of athletes’ mental health and emotions.

Barbosu was on the floor when the scoring adjustment appeared on the video board. She was visibly distraught, placing her hands over her face before walking off in tears.

Inquiries are a common aspect of gymnastics competitions. Athletes or coaches can request judges to review routines to ensure elements are rated properly. Scores can be adjusted up or down based on the inquiry.

Romania has a storied history in gymnastics, but Barbosu’s initial result would have been the program’s first Olympic medal since the 2012 London Games.

Rebeca Andrade of Brazil secured gold and Simone Biles, Chiles’ teammate, took silver in the floor final, the last event of the Olympic gymnastics slate.

Stephen McGrath from Sighisoara, Romania, contributed to this report.