Amateur Sports
Long Overdue
It took far too long for the IOC to get this right, but the overall end result shows patience actually does pay off for those who wait – and are not cheaters!!
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced today that Dylan Armstrong of Kamloops will be awarded with the bronze medal in the shot put from the 2008 Olympic Games.
The announcement comes on the heels of the lifetime ban by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) for Andrei Mikhnevich of Belarus.
Dylan Armstrong on the news, “I’m totally thrilled that I will receive the 2008 Olympic Games bronze medal that I worked very hard for. Winning an Olympic medal was a major goal and childhood dream since I was 9.
Missing the medal in 2008 by a single centimetre was tough, on a positive note, I will say it definitely provided me more determination and drive helping me achieve more medals at major championships.”
Revised shot put results – 2008 Olympic Games – Beijing, China
Gold – Tomasz Majewski, 21.51m, Poland Silver – Christian Cantwell, 21.09m, United States Bronze – Dylan Armstrong, 21.05m, Canada
Armstrong goes on to say, “I am extremely excited and motivated to use this Olympic medal as a foundation in my community, and across the country, to positively influence and inspire youth to help ensure there are more medallists to come.
I would like to thank my coach and mentor Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk for his dedication and outstanding coaching over the years. I would also like thank the IOC, COC and Athletics Canada for their support through this process.
I look forward to celebrating this medal with my family, friends and sponsors.”
The sanction levied on Mikhnevich also resulted in Armstrong receiving the bronze medal from the 2010 IAAF World Indoor Championships earlier this summer.
“Athletics Canada is so pleased for Dylan, his coach Dr. Anatoliy Bondarchuk, and his entire support team. Dylan worked so hard to earn his spot on the podium and has now been rewarded,” said Rob Guy, Athletics Canada CEO.
“His commitment to excellence and never say never approach to sport is something all athletes should aspire to. Six years later, and he’s thinking of Rio and what that might bring.”
Dylan Armstrong Championship highlights
2013 World outdoor Championships – Bronze 2012 Olympic Games – 5th
2011 Pan American Games – Gold
2011 World outdoor Championships – Silver
2010 World indoor Championships – Bronze
2010 Commonwealth Games – Gold
2010 Diamond League – Champion 2008 Olympic Games – Bronze
Thanks to Athlete’s Canada for the release.