Romanian PM to Boycott Olympics Closing Ceremony Over Gymnastics Ruling Scandal

PARIS, France — Romania Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu announced Tuesday he will boycott the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. The decision stems from a “scandalous situation” involving a Romanian gymnast losing a bronze medal due to an appeal.

Gymnast Ana Barbosu prematurely celebrated her bronze in the floor event Monday. However, American gymnast Jordan Chiles’ coaches appealed her score, leading to a 0.1 point increase for Chiles, allowing her to surpass Barbosu.

“I decided not to attend the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics, following the scandalous situation in the gymnastics, where our athletes were treated in an absolutely dishonorable manner,” Ciolacu remarked on Facebook. He deemed the medal retraction as “totally unacceptable.”

Ciolacu assured that Romania would recognize Barbosu and fifth-place finisher Sabrina Maneca-Voinea as Olympic medalists, rewarding them accordingly.

“You have with you an entire nation for which your work and tears are more precious than any medal, no matter what precious metal they are from,” Ciolacu stated.

The incident left Barbosu visibly distressed. Standing on the floor with a Romanian flag, she saw the score change on the video board, dropped the flag, and left in tears.

Score inquiries are routine in gymnastics, allowing coaches to request a review of routine elements. Scores can increase or decrease based on these reviews.

The inquiry elevated Chiles to bronze, pushing Maneca-Voinea into fifth place.

Romania, once a gymnastics powerhouse, is making its Olympic return after a 12-year hiatus. Gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci criticized the event on X, formerly Twitter, condemning the emotional toll on athletes.

Ciolacu indicated the scene shocked viewers globally, highlighting potential issues within the competition’s organization.