Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Colac announced on Tuesday that his country would boycott the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics in protest against controversial judging in the women’s gymnastics competition, Fox News reported.
The decision affected Romanian gymnast Ana Barbos, who initially celebrated winning a bronze medal on floor exercise, only to see American gymnast Jordan Chiles move up ahead of her in the judging results. according to According to Fox News, the score change came after a protest by the U.S. coaches over Chile’s initial score, which was reviewed and increased by 0.1 points, moving Chile up to third place and removing Barbos from the podium.
Romanian PM boycotts Olympics ceremonies over ‘scandalous’ gymnastics medal stripping https://t.co/MR9dlWIuwa
— Fox News (@FoxNews) August 6, 2024
The image of a dejected Barbos dropping the Romanian flag and walking away in tears caused a huge stir, eliciting widespread criticism and emotional reactions around the world. Corac expressed his frustration with the situation in a statement on Facebook. (Related: Video of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan allegedly slapping a child who refused to kiss his hand)
“Following the scandal in gymnastics where athletes have been treated with utter disgrace, I have decided not to attend the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics,” Colak said on Facebook. post“It is completely unacceptable to have an award earned through honest work revoked on appeal!” Fox News reported.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 5: Ana Barbos of the Romanian team competes in the women’s floor exercise final in artistic gymnastics during day 10 of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena on August 5, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Gymnastics legend Nadia Comaneci also weighed in, condemning the judging. “I can’t believe they can treat an athlete’s mental state and emotions like this… Let’s protect them,” said the nine-time Olympic medalist. I have written On Twitter.
U.S. coach Cecil Lundy defended the decision to appeal the score, expressing surprise that the appeal was allowed. “I had nothing to lose at this point, so I was like, ‘I’m just going to give it a go,'” Lundy said, according to Fox News. “Honestly, I didn’t think it was going to happen, but then I heard her yell, and I turned around and I was like, ‘You know what?'”
