Irish modern pentathletes Natalya Coyle and Arthur Lanigan O'Keeffe have been awarded a bronze medal from the 2015 World Championships after two competitors who medalled were stripped of their titles.
The pair, who recently won the World Cup final last weekend and have enjoyed a wonderful 2017 competing around the world, were bumped up after Anna Burjak and Maksim Kustov had their medals taken off them after it was discovered that Kustov had committed a doping violation.
"The UIPM Anti-Doping Panel has confirmed that modern pentathlete Maksim Kustov of Russia will serve a four-year suspension from UIPM Sports as a result of a doping offence relating to the athlete’s biological passport," the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne said in a statement.
"This follows the provision of evidence to UIPM by the Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA), which recently announced a four-year suspension for Maksim Kustov as a result of its findings.
"UIPM recognizes and supports this action by RUSADA and Mr Kustov will be ineligible to compete for a period of four years starting on October 4, 2016. The sanction includes the disqualification of results achieved by Mr Kustov during the period June 15, 2015 to October 4, 2016."
The Russians finished in second place, which means American pair Nathan Schrimsher and Margaux Isaksen now take silver for their performance.
"Delight although at the same time devastated!" O'Keeffe tweeted on Friday. "My grandad & mum traveled to watch that competition & that moment was stolen from us!"
Delight although at the same time devastated! My grandad & mum traveled to watch that competition & that moment was stolen from us! #World🅠https://t.co/k5vU9xn2k0
— Arthur LOK (@ArthurLOK1) June 30, 2017
"We've just been awarded a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BRONZE medal from 2015!" Coyle tweeted. "Happy yet sad we couldn't celebrate on the day."
We've just been awarded a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BRONZE medal from 2015! Happy yet sad we couldn't celebrate on the day @ArthurLOK1 #CleanSport pic.twitter.com/2qt95clii5
— Natalya Coyle (@Natalyacoyle) June 30, 2017
Czech Republic pair Jan Kuf and Natalie Dianova remain unchanged and retain their gold medal.
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