Here’s Why Team USA’s Jordan Chiles Was Accused of Showing Poor ‘Sportsmanship’ Towards Teammates as Public Strongly Reacts

Jordan Chiles, a key contributor to Team USA’s gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is facing mixed reactions over her sportsmanship. Despite her talent and dedication, some netizens have criticized her behavior toward her teammates, particularly toward Sunisa Lee.

Chiles reportedly missed out on the all-around finals despite securing the fourth-highest score in qualifying due to a rule limiting each country to two gymnasts in individual event finals. Her teammates, Simone Biles and Lee, who ranked higher, edged her out.

Chiles’s missing out on the All-Around finals became a topic of discussion on X, formerly Twitter. Senior NFL insider Josina Anderson shed light on the situation, stating that Lee deserved a “better embrace” from Chiles but acknowledged the difficulty of Chiles’s situation.

“I also understand that sometimes all of us need more time to process before putting on a face and acknowledging present circumstances. Still the camera is on, and she has to maintain her usual grace and well-known charisma wherever her results land in the standings,” Anderson explained.

Anderson clarified in another post, “Didn’t say she didn’t deserve to feel devastated. Sportsmanship is being a good sport, while**** feeling devastated. Suni initiated the hug after a very extended period. That’s what happened [sic].”

However, after Anderson’s explanation, more users criticized Chiles. One user remarked, “The only one being mean and unhelpful was Jordan Chiles. She should have shown some class and sportsmanship rather than pettiness and selfishness.”

A netizen expressed frustration with the scrutiny, “Very unnecessary. I don’t think there’s anyone including Suni who didn’t understand the circumstances. She’s 3 in the world but can’t compete. It’s ridiculous!”

A different perspective stated, “This is a strange thing to be judgmental about. This was probably Jordan’s last shot at the all-around title – the thing she’s worked her whole life for. She’s allowed to have emotions about that. Jordan will be there to cheer Suni on when the time comes.”

Some users expressed skepticism about the criticism itself. One commented, “This take didn’t go like you thought it would…this is messed up…you trying to start stuff.”

Amid the criticisms and Anderson’s explanation, some netizens rallied behind Chiles. A user remarked, “Anyway if you’re going to come on this website and talk about Jordan Chiles’ ‘sportsmanship’ or whatever come talk to me first! I’m sure we can work it out in hand to hand combat [sic].”

Another defended Chiles, “Let’s normalize letting people cope with emotions how they must. She was on Tik tok with Jordan an hour after competing and the two were seemingly besties again [sic].”

Despite these mixed reactions, Chiles’s contributions to Team USA were significant. She competed in all four events during the team final, leading off in three, and her performances were crucial in securing the gold medal.

“Having this opportunity definitely felt really good…Being able to be a part of winning this gold medal…it’s just been an amazing experience,” Chiles said.

Unlike some gymnasts who let frustration affect their performance, Chiles always cheers for her teammates or dances to boost their spirits when not competing. When Team USA needed her in all four events for the best score, she fully committed.

Chiles’s coach, Cecile Landi, remarked, “It was good for her…She loves competing. She loves it.” This sentiment underscored the significance of the All-Around final, a historic event in its own right.

The All-Around final saw historic achievements from Biles and Lee. Biles became the first woman to win non-consecutive Olympic all-around titles, while Lee’s third-place finish solidified her legacy. Together, they became the first U.S. gymnasts with multiple Olympic all-around medals.

As Lee and Biles received support from their teammates after their historic win, Biles also received love and support from her husband, football player Jonathan Owens. However, Owens’s presence at the event drew mixed reactions, with some describing him as “problematic.”

Owens, who was by Biles’ side in France, was over the moon about his wife’s stellar performance. He took to social media to celebrate her monumental win with a heartwarming tribute.

Sharing a charming photo of the couple amid the vibrant Parisian streets, Owens couldn’t hide his pride. In the snapshot, he lovingly wears Biles’ gold medal around his neck as they bask in their shared joy.

His caption was pure adoration, “Witnessing history every time you step on the mat 😍🔥.” Owens continued to shower praise on his superstar wife, writing, “Congrats baby on becoming the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history!!!! Just wow!!!! 8 of them!!!!! So thankful I was there to see it.”

Biles responded with heartfelt gratitude, “Means the world you’re here” and added, “My whole heart. I love you ❤️❤️❤️❤️.” However, the couple’s celebration didn’t go unnoticed by netizens, who had mixed reactions.

Critics took to the comments, questioning Owens’ decision to wear Biles’ medal. One user remarked, “Why is he holding it like he won it?” Another chimed in, “Give the medal back bby, that’s not yours [sic].”

Some were particularly vocal, saying things like, “That’s Simone’s gold medal you’re holding, not yours, my guy. 😂😂” and “There’s something very unsettling about you wearing her medal. Seems off.”

One frustrated fan even demanded, “Give it back to her immediately 🥇.” Meanwhile, another user, puzzled by the situation, asked, “Is he being problematic on purpose? Serious question.”

Owens isn’t new to facing the heat from fans. Back in December 2023, the NFL star landed in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after some controversial comments about his relationship with Biles during an appearance on “The Pivot” podcast.

When asked about how the two met, Owens revealed that despite Biles’ fame, he didn’t know who she was at the time. The pair had connected through the dating app Raya in 2020.

Things heated up when Owens was asked if he saw himself as “the catch” in their relationship. He cheekily responded, “I always say that the men are the catch.” Owens admitted he was initially hesitant to commit but eventually fell head over heels for Biles.

His comments sparked quite a backlash, with some fans taking issue with his remarks about the Olympic icon. Fast forward to April this year, Biles came to her husband’s defense during an appearance on the “Call Her Daddy” podcast.

Addressing the viral moment, Biles revealed she was present during the interview, and when the camera zoomed in on her, she simply rolled her eyes and laughed.

She clarified that Owens never suggested she wasn’t a catch but was instead emphasizing his own worth. The Olympic icon even went as far as addressing critics on her X page. Biles praised her husband, stating that he adores her and that she’s never met anyone quite like him.

As for Owens, he brushed off the criticism with ease. He kept his social media notifications off and was unaware of the uproar until much later. When he did catch wind of it, he responded by posting a series of romantic photos with Biles and captioning them, “Unbothered 😂❤️ Just know we locked in over here 🤞🏽.”

From the heartfelt bond between Simone Biles and Owens to the intense scrutiny of Jordan Chiles’s sportsmanship, the world of athletics is ever-vibrant. While critics may focus on Chiles’s emotions, her vital role in Team USA’s gold medal win remains undeniable.