For most athletes, stepping onto the Olympic podium to receive a medal is the culmination of years of dedication, symbolized by the glorious sound of their national anthem playing in the background. However, for American middle-distance runner Alysia Montaño, the news of her upgrade to a bronze medal from the 2012 Olympics brought a mix of emotions far from the joy typically associated with such an achievement. Her initial reaction in a lonely hotel room in Cleveland was not joy but emptiness and a profound sense of loss, described by her as a “stab in the gut, in the heart.”
Late Recognition: The Stolen Moments
The joy of an Olympic victory is as much about the moment of triumph in front of a cheering crowd as it is about the medal. For Montaño, the announcement came too late—12 years late. The upgrade was the result of disqualifications of two competitors ahead of her in the 800-meter final at the London Games, both implicated in a state-sponsored doping scandal in Russia. As Montaño reflects on the belated recognition, she mourns the lost accolade and the irreplaceable moments of celebration with her family and fans, especially her grandmother, who passed away without knowing her granddaughter’s rightful achievement.
The Price of Cheating: Impact Beyond the Track
The consequences of doping extend far beyond the track, affecting athletes’ careers and financial stability. Montaño estimates that the delayed medal cost her over seven figures in lost earnings, encompassing potential sponsorships, appearance fees, and contract bonuses. Now, as she potentially looks forward to receiving her medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, she also advocates for sterner penalties for doping to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure that future athletes do not suffer as she did.
Enduring Strength and Advocacy
Despite the hardships, Montaño’s love for running and her advocacy for clean sport remain undiminished. She continues to speak out against doping and has been a vocal critic of policies that disadvantage athletes, such as those surrounding maternity leave for female competitors. As she anticipates finally receiving her Olympic medal, Montaño looks forward to closing a painful chapter of her life, hoping it brings a sense of finality and justice, albeit delayed.
Alysia Montaño’s journey from the tracks of London to the potential podium in Los Angeles spans more than just miles; it encompasses a decade of struggle, advocacy, and personal growth. Her story is a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of cheating in sports and the deep emotional scars it can leave behind. As Montaño prepares to celebrate a long-overdue Olympic bronze finally, her story is not just about the medals and accolades but about the resilience and integrity of an athlete who stood tall against adversity.
