Dubai: Silver has turned to gold for Indian long-jumper Anju George after the medal she won at the 2005 World Athletics Final in Monte Carlo was upgraded following the disqualification of Russias Tatyana Kotova on Tuesday.
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) also suspended Kotova until 2015 after the recent re-testing of her sample from the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, which came up positive for the anabolic steroid formestane.
George, 36, who will now receive a certificate confirming the upgrade to gold, was ecstatic, saying: At last it has come. I have been waiting for it for nine years. It really feels like justice.
For those three years 2003, 04 and 05, I was one of the best in the world. I knew everyone ahead of me was doing it [doping], but I was helpless because I couldnt prove it. I always had my doubts about Kotova.
India?s Anju George gets 2005 gold medal, following disqualification of Russia?s Tatyana Kotova | GulfNews.com
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) also suspended Kotova until 2015 after the recent re-testing of her sample from the 2005 World Championships in Helsinki, which came up positive for the anabolic steroid formestane.
George, 36, who will now receive a certificate confirming the upgrade to gold, was ecstatic, saying: At last it has come. I have been waiting for it for nine years. It really feels like justice.
For those three years 2003, 04 and 05, I was one of the best in the world. I knew everyone ahead of me was doing it [doping], but I was helpless because I couldnt prove it. I always had my doubts about Kotova.
India?s Anju George gets 2005 gold medal, following disqualification of Russia?s Tatyana Kotova | GulfNews.com
