Many viewers are curious about the concept of an inquiry in gymnastics, especially during the intense competitions of women’s gymnastics at the Olympics. The Jordan Chiles inquiry on the floor exercise at the recent Olympics gymnastics event is a prime example of how these inquiries can significantly impact the final results.
Here’s everything you need to know about the gymnastics inquiry process.
Inquiry in gymnastics explained
An inquiry in gymnastics is a formal challenge to a gymnast’s score following their routine.
The process begins with a verbal inquiry, which is then followed by a written inquiry submitted shortly after the final score is posted. This procedure prompts the judges to review the routine, potentially adjusting the score—either raising, lowering, or maintaining it. This system corrects any initial misjudgments, ensuring a fair and accurate assessment of the gymnast’s performance.
During the 2024 Paris Olympics, Team USA’s head coach challenged Jordan Chiles’ floor routine score in women’s gymnastics. Initially, Chiles received a score of 13.666, placing her fifth. After the review, the judges increased her score to 13.766, which elevated her to the bronze medal position.
The inquiry focused on a specific skill, the Gogean (a split leap with a 1.5-turn), which the judges initially did not credit. Upon review, the judges acknowledged this oversight and adjusted her difficulty score. This adjustment demonstrated how an inquiry can significantly impact the final standings and highlight the gymnast’s true capabilities.
Inquiries play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and fairness of gymnastics scoring. By allowing coaches and gymnasts to challenge scores, the system provides a way to correct potential errors.
This process contributes to the competition’s integrity. In Jordan Chiles’ case, the inquiry highlighted the importance of meticulous scoring and the potential for dramatic changes in medal outcomes, ultimately ensuring that the athletes receive the recognition they deserve.
