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PARIS, France — It was a moving and anticipated moment on Friday as three Jamaican Olympians finally received medals they had been unjustly denied years ago during a medal redistribution ceremony at the Paris Olympics.
The ceremony, held at the Parc des Champions near the iconic Eiffel Tower, was jointly organized by the Jamaica Olympic Association and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and brought closure to the athletes who had waited more than a decade for the recognition they deserve.
Bev McDonald, bronze medalist in the women’s 200m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Chelsea Hammond-Ross, bronze medalist in the women’s long jump at the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and Carissa Spencer-Carter, bronze medalist in the women’s 400m hurdles at the London 2012 Olympics, expressed their feelings when they held up their medals.
Bittersweet
For Spencer Carter, the 12-year wait was bittersweet. “It was a long time to wait and it didn’t come easy, but I have to be grateful,” Spencer Carter said with a smile. “I’m glad my son is able to experience this. I’ve lost a lot, both in endorsements and other aspects, but I’m just excited and grateful that I can finally be here and experience this feeling with two other ladies who also won medals.”
Spencer-Carter, who received her medal after Natalia Antukh was disqualified, recalled how it felt to share the moment with her family. “Of course, especially my son,” she added, expressing her hope that he will follow in her athletic footsteps. “I’m very grateful.”
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McDonald, who waited 24 years to receive the bronze medal after Marian Jones was disqualified, expressed her relief and joy. “Today finally happened, I’ve waited 24 years to finally get the bronze medal,” McDonald said, the emotion evident in her voice. “It was worth it because my son won’t be here to see his mom get the medal.”
MacDonald recalled that she had given up hope of ever winning a medal until her husband, Raymond Stewart, fought for her to get one. “I had given up a long time ago, but my husband persevered and wrote to the International Olympic Committee and they replied saying they would give me a medal,” she revealed, expressing her deep gratitude to her husband for persevering until today.
16 years of waiting
The wait was just as tough for Hammond-Ross, who had waited 16 years, and she shared her excitement at finally receiving the medal. “Oh my gosh, I’m so happy to share this moment with my teammates, my family and my two kids,” Hammond-Ross said, her voice thick with emotion. “It’s been a long process, 16 years, but the medal is here. I had to be patient, say something, see what happens, and then make it happen.”
Hammond-Rose missed out on the glory days of the Beijing Olympics, and she candidly shares her emotional journey since then. “It can’t replace it, I’m not going to lie,” she admitted. “When I walked off that track in 2008, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m going to medal!’ I knew it then, but I didn’t know it would take 16 years.”
Despite the years of waiting and the loss of the immediate thrill of victory, Hammond-Rose expressed her joy and relief. “Of course I’m very happy. I can’t even process this because that moment was stolen and it hurts, but I’m going to enjoy it today,” she said proudly.
All three athletes are grateful for the recognition, even though it comes years after they competed in the Olympics. Their stories highlight the resilience and perseverance that are essential not only in sports, but in life. As they proudly hold their medals, these Jamaican Olympians remind the world that justice, though delayed, can still bring victory and closure.
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