IOC Executive Board approves medal reallocations from Olympic Games London 2012
During its meeting in Lausanne, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board (EB) today took the decision to reallocate medals, diplomas and medallist pins from the Olympic Games London 2012. The official results were changed by the International Federation responsible, World Athletics, following the disqualification of two athletes due to anti-doping rule violations.
In the women’s 20km race walk at London 2012, the first-placed athlete was disqualified, and the gold medal has now been reallocated to Shenjie Qieyang (CHN), silver to Hong Liu (CHN) and bronze to Xiuzhi Lu (CHN). The ranking until eighth place has been adjusted accordingly.
In the women’s 400m hurdles event at London 2012, the first-placed athlete was disqualified, so the gold medal has now been reallocated to Lashinda Demus (USA), silver to Zuzana Hejnova (CZE) and bronze to Kaliese Spencer (JAM), and the subsequent ranking until seventh place has been adjusted.
For reference, the reallocation of medals is not automatic and is decided by the IOC on a case-by-case basis. If the IOC decides to reallocate the medals, this takes place only after all the remedies have been exhausted by the sanctioned athletes or teams, and once all procedures have been closed.
Where such samples are available, at least one sample from any athlete bumped up should be re-analysed and confirmed negative. If no sample is available to be re-analysed, the athlete is given the benefit of the doubt.
Since 2018, athletes can choose from six options to receive their reallocated medals in a way that recognises their achievements. This is in accordance with the Olympic Medal Reallocation Principles that were proposed by the IOC Athletes’ Commission and subsequently approved by the IOC EB.