Jordan Chiles’ coach is setting the record straight.
Cecile Canqueteau-Landi congratulated Chiles and Simone Biles on their Olympic wins in an Instagram post on Tuesday, August 6, while also responding to a user who accused Chiles, 23, and her team of cheating to secure bronze in the floor exercise final.
“I shouldn’t have to explain but I will ONCE,” Canqueteau-Landi, 44, wrote. “Jordan’s highest possible [start value] on floor is a 5.9—At quals and team finals she received a 5.8 and we didn’t question it because we saw that not all the elements were completed.”
“Being placed 5th with nothing to lose, I sent the inquiry so I wouldn’t regret not asking. I didn’t think it would be accepted and, to my surprise, it was.”
Cecile—who was an Olympian herself and competed in the 1996 Games in Atlanta—made it clear she was just doing her job as a coach and that everything happened above board, emphasizing that Chiles “didn’t steal anything from anyone,” as she “simply did [her] job and fought for” the athlete.
She continued, “Do I feel bad for the Romanian athlete? Of course I do! It was so sad and heartbreaking to see, but it is the sport!”
Cecile clarified again while concluding her post, “You don’t have to like it, but you do have to respect the outcome and more importantly respect Jordan and not drag her down because you disagree. She EARNED that bronze medal.”
