BRITISH Winter Olympic chief Mike Hay has called on International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach to realise his proposal to present retrospective medals in Pyeongchang in February.
Pending an appeal, John Jackson’s four-man bobsleigh crew are set to be upgraded to bronze after two Russian crews that finished ahead of them were both banned last month due to failing dope tests.
Hay, who will act as GB chef de mission for the Games, is hopeful the appeals process will be expedited in order to give Jackson, along with team-mates Joel Fearon, Bruce Tasker and Stuart Benson, a taste of an Olympic podium.
Hay said: “Thomas Bach has made it clear he would like to award the medals there and I think if you don’t get that moment a number of years ago, then being given your medal at the medals plaza in Pyeongchang is the next best thing.
“I know how much they put into it in Sochi and were pleased with their fifth place, only to find out two teams in front of them have been disqualified for cheating.
“It robbed them of their moment and I do feel sorry for them because that can never be replaced, but this will go some way towards sorting it out.”
Bach indicated earlier this month that he was keen to ensure retrospective medals could be handed out in Pyeongchang, but the move is likely to be dictated by developments at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, to which many Russian athletes are currently appealing.
Bach said: “We are doing everything we can to seep up this procedure. We are planning with the IOC athletes’ commission to organise dignified medals ceremonies (in Pyeongchang).”
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