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Team USA gymnast Jordan Chiles had the 4th highest overall score in qualifying, but won't be allowed to compete in the All-Around final. Here's why.
PARIS, France — An International Gymnastics Federation rule will keep Jordan Chiles out of Thursday's All-Around final at the Paris Olympics, despite posting the fourth-highest overall score during qualifying.
Chiles' teammates, Simone Biles and Sunisa Lee, will represent the U.S. in the event, but why not Chiles too?
According to the federation's rules, no more than two gymnasts per country can advance to any individual finals.
"We do not have any additional thoughts on the rule. We are proud of Jordan’s performance during qualifications," Rachel Duke, communications coordinator for USA Gymnastics, said via email Tuesday.
It's not the first time that American gymnasts have missed out because of the rule.
At the 2012 Olympics in London, Aly Raisman and Gabby Douglas were the top two U.S. finishers in qualification, finishing second and third, respectively.
Teammate Jordyn Wieber -- a favorite to win the whole thing -- was right behind Douglas in fourth after qualifying. She was left out of the All-Around.
Douglas went on to win the gold.
At the 2016 Olympics in Brazil, Douglas was the one forced out. Simone Biles and Raisman qualified 1-2 for the All-Around. Douglas was third and, despite performing better than 22 other women ahead of her during qualification, she was left out.
"It’s just stupid. I think the two-per-country rule is the dumbest thing ever,” Raisman said at the time, according to USA Today.
Chiles, 23, however, did earn a spot in the floor exercise final in Paris and has made no secret that she badly wants the team gold that Russia claimed in Tokyo. Chiles is a 2020 Olympic silver medalist.
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