Sport

Jarred Tallent wins another retrospective gold before Rio Olympics

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Jared Tallent has won gold again and he is yet to even compete in Rio.

Tallent has been awarded another retrospective gold medal, this one from the IAAF World Race Walking Team Championships earlier this year, when he was defeated by an Italian drug cheat.

Jared Tallent with his retrospectively awarded London gold medal
Jared Tallent with his retrospectively awarded London gold medal  Photo: Getty Images

The Court of Arbitration for Sport has ruled that Tallent, who crossed the line in second place, will be elevated to the gold medal position because the winner, Alex Schwarzer, failed a drug test and was banned. 

"All competitive results obtained by Alex Schwarzer from and including 1 January 2016 are disqualified with all resulting consequences, including forfeiture of medals, points and prizes," the Court of Arbritration for Sport ruling stated.

CAS also dismissed Schwarzer's appeal against his drug ban, which was a last-ditch attempt to compete in Rio.  

"There is no place for doping in sport and Schwarzer has a history of breaching the rules for his own personal benefit. It is appropriate that such decisive action be taken when such disregard for clean sport occurs," Athletics Australia chief executive Phil Jones said.

"This is once again vindication for Jared Tallent, who will be elevated to the gold medal position.

"His dedication to fighting for a level playing field for all athletes is exemplary and should be applauded. We wish him every success as he prepares to defend his Olympic crown at Rio 2016."

The move comes after Tallent was retrospectively awarded the Olympic gold medal for the 50km walk from London 2012, where he was defeated by a Russian drug cheat.