media_artricles :: 2018

FITTING REWARD

Torpedo hopeful ahead of Olympic upgrade

Trinidad and Tobago sprinters Keston Bledman, Marc Burns, Emmanuel Callender, Richard "Torpedo" Thompson and Aaron Armstrong are Olympic champions in waiting, following the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision to uphold the doping disqualification of Jamaican Nesta Carter.

Thursday's CAS ruling confirmed that Carter and his men's 4x100 metres teammates have been stripped of the gold medals they were awarded at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. When the medals are reallocated, runners-up T&T will be upgraded to gold.

Anchorman Thompson told the Express he is looking forward to receiving his first Olympic gold medal.

"I'm not surprised by the decision the CAS has come to given the knowledge we had on the Nesta situation. Typically, if your 'B' sample has also tested positive, then there really is no further debate unless there is some conclusive evidence of sample tampering, which was never the case in question for the appeal. I'm happy for my teammates and for T&T that they've made the right decision."

With three items of Olympic precious metal to his name, Thompson is second on the all-time T&T multiple medallist list, behind quadruple medallist Ato Boldon. The "Torpedo" is looking forward to receiving the 2008 sprint relay gold to go with his 2008 100m silver and 2012 4x100m silver.

"This adds to another piece of our already amazing sporting history," said Thompson, "and I'm honoured to be a part of it. The IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) will decide when we receive them. The initial process would entail us returning our silver medals which we haven't been asked to do as yet. My guess is that by the end of the year we'll be upgraded officially."

Thompson, who is currently recovering from hip surgery, is hopeful that Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Shamfa Cudjoe will find a fitting way to recognise the Beijing 4x1 achievement.

"It would be nice to speak to the newly appointed Minister to hear what suggestions she may put forth as far as recognition. Being Olympic gold medallists means we've achieved for T&T at the highest level of world sport. An honour and reward reflecting such an accomplishment," the track star ended, "will be truly appreciated."

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