Derek Drouin Receives Upgraded Silver Medal in Paris

PARIS (August 9, 2024) — Olympic champion Derek Drouin finally received his upgraded silver medal for the men’s high jump from the 2012 London Olympics. The special medal ceremony took place at the picturesque Champions Park in Trocadéro Gardens, right at the foot of the iconic Eiffel Tower.

Drouin had initially tied for bronze during his Olympic debut in London, clearing a height of 2.29 metres. This was not only Canada‘s only athletics medal at the 2012 Games but also marked the country’s first Olympic high jump medal in 36 years, echoing Greg Joy’s silver at the Montreal 1976 Games.

In a turn of events in November 2021, Drouin’s bronze was upgraded to silver after the original gold medal winner was disqualified for a doping violation. This change was significant as it also related to other athletes, including Mutaz Essa Barshim from Qatar and Robert Grabarz from Great Britain, who are now sharing the silver honors behind the now official gold medalist, American Erik Kynard.

Drouin, hailing from Corunna, Ontario, didn’t stop there; he went on to win gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, making history as Canada’s first Olympic champion in an athletics field event since Duncan McNaughton won gold in the high jump at the Los Angeles Games in 1932.

During the ceremony, Drouin shared his mixed feelings about receiving the medal. He expressed, “While this is certainly not the way any athlete dreams of receiving an Olympic medal… I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to stand on the podium in London, as it is a moment in my career that I will never forget.” He emphasized the importance of fair play in the sport and the suffering of athletes affected by doping.

Tricia Smith, the President of the Canadian Olympic Committee, also spoke at the event, highlighting Drouin’s exemplary representation of Canada and the significance of his upgraded medal. “Derek has always made Canada proud,” she stated.

Mathieu Gentès, the CEO of Athletics Canada, described the reallocation as a moment of overdue recognition and a testament to the enduring spirit of fair play that defines the Olympic movement. The atmosphere was joyous as Drouin celebrated this milestone in Paris, surrounded by friends and family.