More than a decade after Russian athlete Natalia Antioch won the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games in the women's 400-meter hurdles, her result will be disqualified after she was caught using banned substances and did not appeal the decision.
All of her results from July 15, 2012 to June 29, 2012 were expunged, meaning that Shinda Demos of the United States should be awarded the gold medal retroactively.
The American lost in the final in a photo finish with Antioch in the final, with the Russian crossing the line in 52.70 seconds compared to the winner's 52.77.
The Czech Zuzana Hijnova, the world champion in 2013 and 2015, will also enjoy the no-show and advance to the silver medal, while Jamaica's Kelisa Spencer will receive the bronze medal.
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) sanctioned the hurdler based on historical data at the former World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) accredited laboratory in Moscow.
Antioch, now 41, already received a four-year ban last year.
World Athletics has changed its results on its official website, with the AIU confirming in a statement that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) can now award the medals as planned.
"The IOC may now proceed with reallocating medals and updating its database," the AIU statement said.
"We remain committed to investigating all cases of potential violations and ensuring the appropriate outcomes. The integrity of athletics is our top priority and we are pleased that in this case, athletes who competed fairly at the highest level will ultimately be recognized as the rightful medal winners."
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