Games gold 13 years on

Long-jumper sets wheels in motion to claim lost Athens prize

AUSTRALIA has moved a step closer to claiming its first Olympics long jump gold medal, 13 years after the drugtainted event was held.

Athletics Australia revealed yesterday it would support Queenslander Bronwyn Thompson, who finished behind three Russian drug cheats at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and take the fight up to the sport’s governing body, the IAAF.

Thompson, 39, launched a bid to be awarded gold earlier this year, calling on the national federation to support her push for the IAAF to launch an investigation into the long jump medals from Athens.

The Brisbane physiotherapist finished fourth at those Games behind three Russians who all tested positive for performance enhancing drug offences within the four-year post-Games period.

Athletics Australia’s interim chief executive Michael Hall confirmed they would take up Thompson’s case.

“Bronwyn’s request for an inquiry into the outcome of the women’s long jump final at Athens 2004 is one Athletics Australia wholeheartedly supports,” he said.

“Athletics Australia believe that Bronwyn has a claim for the gold medal, but to ensure a resolution for this injustice we must secure the support of the governing body for the sport.

“A level playing field for all athletes, protecting clean athletes from the scourge of doping, is critical.”

It is understood Athletics Australia spoke with their international counterparts at the recent World Athletics Championships in London.

Great Britain’s Jade Johnson and Anju Bobby-George from India have also called on their national federations and the IAAF to reallocate the 2004 Olympic long jump medals. Thompson said yesterday: “Hopefully the three federations working together will strengthen our case ... I feel a sense of relief, and gratitude that Athletics Australia will take this up with the IAAF. Tthere’s still a long road ahead but I don’t think the IAAF can ignore all the evidence of Russia’s long-term doping program.”

In the lead-up to the Rio Olympics, more than 100 Russian athletes were banned following an investigation into a state-run doping program that administered a cocktail of anabolic steroids to the country’s world-class athletes.