Spencer-Carter still ‘grateful and thankful’ for London bronze

Kaliese Spencer-Carter didn’t get the experience of feeling what it is like to be on an Olympic Games medal podium, and her contracts may have suffered negatively as a result of a fourth-place finish at the London Games but the 400 metres hurdler is still grateful and thankful at being upgraded to a bronze medal more than 10 years after the final.

Spencer-Carter was officially upgraded to third from fourth in the 400m hurdles at the 2012 Olympics by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in December, following the disqualification of first past the line Natalya Antyukh, in a fallout from the Russian doping scandal.

American runner Lashinda Demus officially became an Olympic champion at age 40, while Zuzana Hejnová of Czech Republic was upgraded to silver. But despite missing out on all the glory and benefits that come with being an Olympic medallist, Spencer-Carter is happy she is able to fulfil one of her life ambitions.

“My first reaction to finally being upgraded with an Olympic bronze medal was one of relief and gratitude. I am thankful to God for the positive outcome in my favour, though 10 years later,” said Spencer who was speaking publicly on the matter for the first time.

“Receiving this medal 10 years later would obviously and significantly affect my overall achievements but also put a damper on other areas too. For instance, I didn’t get to experience the feeling of being on the podium and my professional contracts were negatively impacted. But I am happy to be receiving the medal. It was always one of my dreams to be an Olympic medallist and (now) I am.

“I have experienced many ups and downs but the medal is there as a testament that hard work and consistency pays off. I will also be able to show my son/future children that their mom copped a medal at the highest level in track and field competition,” she stated.

Spencer-Carter is upset at drug cheats who continue to rob honest hardworking athletes of their just reward and although in the twilight of her career, at age 35, the 2006 World Junior Championships 400m hurdles gold medallist still has her sights on crossing the line in a medal position at a major championship before hanging up her spikes.

“I believe in honesty and integrity. I believe that whatever you are doing in life, it must be done honestly. I am 100 per cent against doping in sports, as it is especially unfair to see persons knowingly use drug enhancements to up their performances while the rest of us work tirelessly and honestly to get to the highest level. To be robbed of that opportunity because of cheating is heart-wrenching,” she lamented.

“I don’t have any regrets. I take every experience both good and bad as a part of my journey. If anything I am now more motivated to be on the podium on the big stage in track and field and I’m definitely working towards that goal as we speak. I am a winner. I know that is who God created me to be and I still believe that I am,” she stated.

The mother of one boy (Micheal Jr) and a wife of Michael Carter Sr, founder and pastor of Celebration Church in Portmore, St Catherine, Spencer-Carter is a four-time Diamond League champion and went into multiple Olympics and World Championships as the number one or two ranked athlete in her event.

However, despite never claiming a top-three finish, she said that she gave it her all.

“I remember pushing with all I had to make a podium finish. I believe I gave all I had based on the circumstances. I really did my best. So to actually receive an Olympic medal is a dream come true and to finally get my hands on one for the first time in my career, 10 years after the event brings overwhelming joy,” she said.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com