Comaneci: Romania has funds to defend Barbosu bronze medal in Chiles CAS case

A new development has emerged in the ongoing legal battle between Jordan Chiles and Ana Bărbosu over the Olympic bronze medal. Romanian gymnastics legend Nadia Comăneci stated last week that the Romanian Olympic and Sports Committee (COSR) has confirmed sufficient funds exist to continue pursuing Bărbosu's claim to the bronze medal.

In January 2026, the Swiss Federal Tribunal sent the dispute back to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) for re-examination, after accepting new video evidence submitted by Chiles and USA Gymnastics.

Reports of a Funding Shortfall

After months of silence, Romanian media reported in June that the Romanian state lacked sufficient funds to proceed with defending Bărbosu's case at CAS.

The reports prompted swift reactions from American fans and media, reigniting hopes for Chiles to reclaim the Olympic bronze medal. Forbes reached out to COSR for comment following these reports but did not receive a response.

In early July, further Romanian media reports suggested COSR faced a 10-day deadline to pay the court before risking losing the case — and Bărbosu's bronze medal. On July 15, nearly 10 days after the purported deadline, Comăneci provided an update in an interview.

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Comăneci Confirms Funding Is Secured

"I understand that [the amount] is paid for," Comăneci said in the interview. The five-time Olympic champion stated she had spoken with COSR. "They have the money to pay for this," she confirmed.

While Comăneci's statement indicates Bărbosu's case will proceed with CAS, the Olympian called on her fellow Romanians to contribute to the cause as a form of national pride and solidarity.

"I think that [everyone] could give a penny and could support this cause," she said. "Not because we don't have money, but because we have pride in having this fight to see how we can get this medal."

Though Comăneci does not hold a leadership position within COSR, she remains in close communication with the federation and its officials. Comăneci recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of her iconic 1976 Olympic debut, where the then-14-year-old became the first gymnast to score a "Perfect 10.0" at the Olympics.

Half a century ago, that mark of perfection made "Nadia" a Romanian national hero and household name. In 2026, Comăneci continues to advocate for Romanian gymnasts and the federation.