If anyone told Jordan Chiles in 2018 that she would be the third-highest scorer in the Olympics someday, she probably wouldn’t believe it. And yet, with 56.065 points to her name, the UCLA Bruins star showed the world her true worth just hours ago. However, Chiles missed the opportunity to progress to the All-Around finals because of an archaic rule that seems to do injustice to her emphatic performance.

The IOC’s rule of allowing only two athletes per country to compete in a final event at the Olympic Games caused the 23-year-old to accept the fact that the USA will be represented by her bestie Simone Biles and the defending AA Olympic champ Suni Lee at the women’s artistic gymnastics final. However, not everyone is on board with the ruling.

Two-time Olympic medalist Kathy Johnson Clarke slammed the rule in a post on X just a couple of hours ago. “Two-per-country rule is a double-edged sword, simultaneously slashing and dashing hopes and dreams while making way for other’s life-changing wishes to come true,” complained the veteran gymnast as she shared the original post by USA Gymnastics showcasing how the Americans dominated the Subdivision 2 competitions today in the French capital.

In a later post, Kathy took the opportunity to also laud the three American top-scorers who blitzed through competition: “The resilience, brilliance, and sportsmaship of all three Team USA all-around superstars – Simone, Suni, Jordan – were on full display for the world to see!” Clarke nodded her hat to Jordan Chiles, who should understandably be feeling the full impact of the rule. “Stay on top of the world, Jordan, where you belong in all your unique glory! You ARE ‘that girl!'” assures her comment.

Chiles not going to the final becomes all the more heartwrenching considering how she’s been dishing out consistently world-class performances in the months leading up to the 2024 Olympics. With her recent stellar form in mind, Kathy’s exasperation becomes an easier matter to comprehend.

Jordan Chiles has been at the zenith of her prowess

Earlier this year, Chiles explained that she would take on 2024 with a new motto: “I’m that girl,” denoting the amount of confidence she found in herself. Since then, it’s been nothing but an upward walk for Jordan. At this year’s US Classic, she earned the third spot, behind only Simone and Shilese Jones, and did just as impressively at the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships (she was placed fifth).

Then, in Fort Worth, Texas, last month, Chiles once again showcased her abilities as she ranked third, behind only the same two gymnasts who edged past her in Paris hours ago: Biles and Lee. Now that it’s clear that she won’t be making it to the AA finals, the USA’s gymnastics staff can’t swallow the pill that has caused Chiles to once again miss out on the opportunity to bag an All-Around gold this time in the French city. Cecile Landi, Jordan’s coach, took to Instagram to vent her frustration over the matter: “Very proud of you Jo!!! This 2 per country rule is (poop emoji)“. However, all is not lost.

However, thanks to her spectacular 13.866 in the floor exercise, Jordan Chiles will be heading to the event final with bestie Simone Biles. Now, it remains to be seen if Chiles’ quest for the maiden Olympic gold indeed comes her way or if she succumbs to the daunting pressure.

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