Paris, France — In a heartfelt and long-awaited moment at the Paris Olympics Reallocation Ceremony on Friday, three Jamaican Olympians finally received the medals they were unjustly denied years ago.
The ceremony, held at Champions Park near the iconic Eiffel Tower, was organized by the Jamaica Olympic Association in partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC), bringing closure to athletes who have waited over a decade for their rightful recognition.
Bev McDonald, who was awarded the bronze medal for the 200m at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, Chelsea Hammond-Ross, now a bronze medalist in the women’s long jump from the Beijing 2008 Olympics, and Kaliese Spencer-Carter, who secured a bronze in the 400m hurdles from the London 2012 Olympics, shared their emotions as they finally held the medals in their hands.
Bittersweet
For Spencer-Carter, the wait of 12 years has been bittersweet. “It’s been a long time, it’s been hard fought but I have to be grateful,” Spencer-Carter said with a smile. “I’m very happy that my son was able to experience this as well. I’ve lost out on a lot, endorsement-wise and otherwise, but I’m just excited and grateful that finally, I’m able to just come out here and have that experience with the other two ladies that were also medalists.”
Spencer-Carter, who was awarded her medal after the disqualification of Natalya Antyukh, reflected on the impact of sharing this moment with her family. “Definitely, especially my son,” she added, expressing hope that her son might follow in her athletic footsteps. “I’m just super grateful.”
McDonald, who waited an astounding 24 years for her bronze medal after the disqualification of Marion Jones, spoke of her relief and joy. “What has happened today after waiting 24 years, I’ve finally got my bronze medal,” McDonald said, the emotion clear in her voice. “It’s worth it because my son would not be here watching mommy getting her medal.”
McDonald recounted how she had given up hope of ever receiving her medal until her husband, Raymond Stewart, took up the cause. “I gave up a long time ago and my husband just kept at it and wrote to the IOC, and they responded that they are going to give me the medal,” she revealed, expressing deep gratitude for the perseverance that led to this day.
16-year wait
Hammond-Ross, whose wait of 16 years was equally trying, shared her excitement about finally receiving her medal. “Oh my goodness, I am excited to share this moment with my teammates, with my family, my two kids,” Hammond-Ross said, her voice full of emotion. “It was a long process, 16 years, right, but it’s here. I had to have some patience and just speak up a little bit, see what’s going on, and make it happen.”
Hammond-Ross, who missed out on the moment of glory in Beijing, candidly shared the emotional journey she’s been on since. “It can’t replace it, I’m not gonna lie,” she admitted. “When I left that track in 2008, I said, ‘oh I’m gonna get a medal!’ I knew from then, but I didn’t know it was going to take 16 years.”
Despite the years of waiting and the loss of the immediate thrill of victory, Hammond-Ross expressed her happiness and relief. “Of course, I’m very happy. I can’t even process it because that moment was stolen, it was hurtful, but today I’m gonna soak it all in,” she said, beaming with pride.
All three athletes shared a sense of gratitude for the recognition, even though it came years after their Olympic performances. Their stories highlight the resilience and perseverance required not just in athletics but in life. As they proudly held their medals, these Jamaican Olympians reminded the world that justice, though delayed, can still bring a moment of triumph and closure.
