Athletics Australia Chief Executive Officer, Phil Jones, has applauded the decision of the Court of Arbitration for Sport that will see all competitive results obtained by Sergey Kirdyapkin from 20 August 2009 to 15 October 2012 disqualified.
This will result in Kirdyapkin being stripped of his gold medal in men’s 50km race walk at London 2012. The decision paves the way for an elated Jared Tallent (Vic), who has commented below, to be recognised as Olympic champion.
“Athletics Australia has always been of the opinion that Jared Tallent is the rightful gold medallist in the men’s 50km race walk at London 2012. The decision by the Court of Arbitration for Sport today vindicates that position,” Jones said.
“We will now take immediate action through the IAAF to ensure that the result is amended. Jared deserves to be recognised as the Olympic champion for his exemplary performance four years ago.
“Athletics Australia is proud of the way Jared has carried himself throughout this difficult period. We look forward to watching him compete at Rio 2016.”
Tallent, a three-time Olympic medallist, looks forward to celebrating the result with his family in the coming days.
“History has been rewritten tonight. I am the Olympic champion and justice has been served. I’m very excited to see the result amended and thank all those who have supported me across this journey,” Tallent said.
“For me, this outcome allows me to celebrate a moment that every athlete dreams of and I look forward to sharing the experience with my family, including wife Claire, my Mum, Dad and siblings.
Jones also reiterated Athletics Australia’s strong anti-doping position, encouraging the IAAF do all that they can to ensure a level playing field for all athletes at the Olympic Games.
“We reiterate our absolute stance against doping in sport and urge the IAAF to take all actions necessary to deliver a level playing field for all athletes,” Jones added.
Athletics Australia will provide regular updates about our advocacy to the IAAF regarding the rightful awarding of the London 2012 men’s 50km walks gold medal to Jared Tallent.
