Derek Drouin receives upgraded silver medal for London 2012
PARIS (August 9, 2024) — On Friday, Olympic champion Derek Drouin received his upgraded silver medal for the men’s high jump at London 2012. The medal reallocation ceremony took place in Paris 2024’s Champions Park at Trocadéro Gardens at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
Drouin originally finished in a three-way tie for bronze in the high jump in his Olympic debut at London 2012 after clearing 2.29 metres. It was Canada’s lone athletics medal at London 2012 and Canada’s first Olympic high jump medal since Greg Joy’s silver at Montreal 1976.
In November 2021, Drouin saw his London bronze medal get upgraded to silver following the disqualification of the initial gold medal winner for a doping violation. The retroactive upgrade to silver also includes Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Robert Grabarz of Great Britain, who are now placed second to the official gold medallist, American Erik Kynard.
Drouin, from Corunna, Ont., went on to win gold at Rio 2016, becoming Canada’s first Olympic champion in an athletics field event since Duncan McNaughton won the high jump at Los Angeles 1932.
QUOTES:
“While this is certainly not the way any athlete dreams of receiving an Olympic medal, long-awaited reallocations like this display the continuous fight our governing bodies are undertaking to ensure the Olympic arena is a fair and honest environment. I consider this a step in the right direction to ensuring a future where fewer athletes who dope squeeze through the cracks so that moments don’t continue to be stolen from deserving athletes. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to stand on the podium in London, as it is a moment in my career that I will never forget. However, I’m pained for the athletes who have been denied the opportunity to listen to their own national anthem while standing atop the podium.
It’s a pleasure to be here, in Paris, with Team Canada. I am excited to celebrate the incredible current athletes as they live out their own Olympic journeys while getting the chance to relive part of my own. I am grateful that the IOC has created this opportunity for athletes affected by doping in sport.”
– Derek Drouin, Olympic Champion, two-time Olympian
“Derek has always represented Canada as a champion and it is so appropriate he receives his upgraded medal here in Paris at this spectacular Champions Park. Derek has always made Canada proud. This silver only adds to the brilliance of his career while highlighting why clean sport and integrity are so important.”
– Tricia Smith, President, Canadian Olympic Committee
“Derek had an outstanding career representing Canada proudly, this silver medal only adds to his legacy as Canada’s greatest high jumper. This reallocation at Paris 2024 is not just a correction but a moment of long-overdue recognition. It highlights the enduring spirit of fair play and perseverance that defines the Olympic movement.”
– Mathieu Gentès, CEO Athletics Canada
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Caroline Sharp
Team Canada’s Sport Communications Lead
Team Canada’s Paris 2024 Athletics Attaché
WhatsApp: +1 (613) 323-5605
E: csharp@olympic.ca
Manny Almela
Team Canada Paris 2024 Press Operations Lead
WhatsApp: +1 (647) 385-7785
E: malmela@olympic.ca