MONACO — The aftereffects of the London Olympics continue to unfold over a decade later.


On Tuesday, Shannon Rowbury from the United States made progress toward receiving a long-awaited bronze medal following the official disqualification of Russian athlete Tatyana Tomashova from the women’s 1,500 meters final held during the London Games.


The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), the body responsible for monitoring doping incidents in track and field, confirmed that Tomashova did not challenge the doping suspension imposed on her by the Court of Arbitration for Sport last September.


Consequently, this ruling is deemed “final and binding” by World Athletics, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been notified accordingly. AIU chair David Howman emphasized their dedication to maintaining the integrity of athletics. He stated, “Even in instances of past events, we will thoroughly investigate any potential violations. I believe this resolution holds significance for those athletes who are rightfully acknowledged in the aftermath.”


With Tomashova’s disqualification, Abeba Aregawi, who originally competed for Ethiopia and later represented Sweden, is set to move up to the silver medal position.


Tomashova faced a decade-long doping suspension announced in September when it was revealed that she had tested positive for anabolic steroids in samples collected in June and July 2012, just weeks before the London Olympics. The AIU noted that this case was based on evidence that surfaced later, pointing to systematic doping cover-ups at what was previously known as the Moscow anti-doping laboratory.


The women’s 1,500 meters final from the 2012 Olympics is notorious for being among the most compromised events in Olympic history, marred by a series of doping scandals and ensuing legal disputes over the past ten years.


Both original gold and silver medal winners from Turkey, Asli Cakir Alptekin and Gamze Bulut, have previously been disqualified and sanctioned due to doping violations, along with several other competitors. Initially finishing fourth, Tomashova’s disqualification now retroactively elevates Rowbury, who originally came in sixth, into the podium position.


However, the process of medal redistribution might still face delays. The IOC holds the final authority on the reallocation of medals, with presentations potentially taking place at upcoming world championships or future Olympic Games. The next Summer Olympics are scheduled for 2028 in Los Angeles, and the IOC board will convene next month to discuss these matters.


At 40 years old now and retired from competitive racing, Rowbury has taken on a role as a broadcaster, analyzing track events for NBC during the recent Paris Olympics.