Twelve years after the competition ended, Canadian high jumper Derek Drouin has been awarded a silver medal from the London 2012 Olympics.

Drouin stood alongside American Erik Kynard, who was awarded the gold in the same event, as the two had their medals placed around their necks in a ceremony at the Paris Olympics on Friday.

Kynard and Drouin were originally awarded silver and bronze in London, but were both upgraded after Russia’s Ivan Ukhov was stripped of the gold for a doping violation.

The now-retired athlete from Corunna, Ont., said the ceremonies are especially important to celebrate athletes who never got to stand on a podium or hear their national anthems. Drouin got that opportunity when he won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

“I’m pained for Erik that he missed out on that opportunity, he obviously was on the podium but there’s nothing like being in the stadium amongst the people who watched you compete and listening to your own national anthem,” Drouin said.

Drouin was one of 10 Olympians who were presented with so-called “reallocated” medals during the ceremony at the space known as Champion’s Park, at the Trocadero venue in Paris.

One by one, the athletes walked down a stage at the base of the Eiffel Tower, as highlight videos of their Oympic performances played on screen.

Drouin and Kynard stood together wearing their medals as the U.S. anthem was played, then posed for photos with their arms around each other.

Ukhov was one of 12 Russian track and field athletes who were found guilty in February of 2019 of state-backed doping. He received a doping ban, and his results from between July of 2012 to December of 2014 were disqualified, including his Olympic gold. The International Olympic Committee confirmed in 2021 that Drouin would retroactively receive the silver along with Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Robert Grabarz of Britain, who tied his score.

A Long-Awaited Recognition

The medal ceremony was a special moment for Drouin, who had to wait 12 years to be formally recognized for his achievement. He said he was grateful for the opportunity to celebrate his accomplishment with his family and friends.

A Moment of Joy and Reflection

Drouin reflected on the significance of the medal ceremony, noting that it was a chance to celebrate the athletes who had been denied their rightful moment on the podium.

Drouin’s silver medal is a testament to his dedication and perseverance. It is also a reminder of the importance of clean sport and the need to hold those who violate the rules accountable.

A Legacy of Excellence

Drouin's athletic career was marked by excellence. He is a two-time Olympian, a gold medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and a two-time Canadian champion. His performance in the 2012 London Olympics was a testament to his talent and ability, and his silver medal is a fitting tribute to his achievements.

Drouin's story is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere. It shows that hard work, dedication, and perseverance can pay off, even in the face of adversity. The long-awaited medal ceremony is a testament to his dedication to the sport and a reminder that even after a long wait, true recognition can be achieved.