Davis-Thompson finished second behind the American in the 200 metres at the Games in 2000 but in October 2007 she admitted having taken steroids before the Games.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) subsequently stripped Jones of all five medals she had won in Sydney, including the golds she won in the 100m and 200m and 4x400m relay.

But the 200m medals were only reallocated by the IOC's Executive Board last December, who decided that they would not award a gold medal for the 100m because second behind Jones in Sydney was Ekaterina Thanou, the Greek banned herself in 2004 for avoiding a series of out-of-competition drugs tests.

Davis-Thompson, who is now 44, was presented with the medal by Alberto Juantorena, Cuba's 1976 Olympic 400m and 800m champion, who, like the Bahamian, is a member of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Council, during a special ceremony in Nassau.

She said: "I am so thrilled.

"I want this to be used as a symbol to all the youth of the Bahamas and around the Caribbean that if you continue to work hard and be diligent at your craft you will be rewarded.



"Nothing comes easy in life.

"You will stumble and at times you will fall, but it is important to persevere, remain determined and focus on your goals."

It is the second Olympic gold medal of Davis-Thompson's career, having also been a member of the Bahamas 4x100m that won in Sydney.

She said: "I still cannot believe I am a double gold medallist.

"To the people of the Bahamas, I hope I have made you proud.

"Each time I went out there to compete I never represented myself, I represented the entire country, each and every one of you."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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