British javelin record holder Goldie Sayers will receive her 2008 Olympic bronze medal in front of her home crowd at the Muller Anniversary Games on Saturday 20 July.

Following a re-evaluation of Games samples in 2016, Russian Mariya Abakumova was disqualified and her original silver medal winning position invalidated.

Sayers, who finished in 4^th and retired from competition in 2017, was elevated into the bronze medal position after the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirmed Abakumova’s removal in 2018.

Her medal will be presented early afternoon on 20 July, immediately before the main Diamond League event programme commences.

Sayers said:

“I’m thrilled to be receiving my medal in front of a home crowd in such an iconic stadium. It means so much to me to be able to share this special moment in front of friends, family, coaches and teachers who all supported me for so many years during my athletics career.”

“I would love to have as many people in the stadium to share this amazing moment with me.”

UK Athletics Interim Chief Executive Nigel Holl commented:

“Everyone is delighted that Goldie can finally have her moment and receive her medal from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. It has been a long time in coming and undoubtedly, she lost the opportunity to celebrate her success as she should have done on that night in Beijing 11 years ago.

“However, to receive her medal amongst fellow British athletes past and present in front of her Team GB colleagues and friends will I’m sure make the occasion special for her, and we’re delighted to have this opportunity to share this moment with her at the Muller Anniversary Games and make it an occasion she will never forget.”

Sir Hugh Robertson, Chairman of the British Olympic Association said: 

“We are delighted to be able to present Goldie with her long-awaited Olympic bronze medal at this year’s Anniversary Games.

“Goldie was denied the opportunity to celebrate in Beijing over a decade ago, due to doping cheats, so it seems only fitting that she is recognised and is able to celebrate in front of the home crowd with her friends and family.”