It was announced yesterday (January 22) that Lynsey Sharp will receive her 2012 European Championship gold medal at the Glasgow International Match this weekend.
Sharp initially collected silver in the 800 metres behind Yelena Arzhakova, but the Russian was later stripped of her medal after failing a drugs test and was banned for two years.
Arzhakova was denied any results she achieved from July 11, 2011, which resulted in Sharp being bumped up from bronze to silver in the 2011 European U23 Championships, too.
The Edinburgh AC athlete will not be competing in the Glasgow International, but the event provides a fitting set-up for the 800 metre runner as she rightfully receives her gold medal in front of her home crowd.
Sharp spoke ahead of Saturday’s ceremony: “When I was first told about my upgrade, my reaction to the news was a mixture of disappointment, satisfaction and elation.
“I was disappointed that another athlete has been discovered breaking the rules and that I was denied the chance to hear my national anthem played in the stadium. But I’m pleased that the system is working, that the athlete in question has been caught.
“It will be a very special moment for me, my family and my support team when I’m presented with my European medal at the Sainsbury’s Glasgow International Match. It will be made even more special that I will be receiving it on home soil, in front of a home crowd.
“It’s a great way to start 2014 and with my injury rehab going well, I’m aiming to be fully fit for the Commonwealth Games in July and to defend my European title in Zurich.”
So far, 23 athletes have been named as part of Scotland’s athletics team for Glasgow, a squad a fully fit Sharp will no doubt be eager to join in the next few months.
