Sport minister congratulates J’can trio who belatedly received Olympic medals
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Minister, of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange is extending congratulations to Jamaican Olympians Beverley McDonald, Chelsea Hammond-Ross and Kaliese Spencer, who received bronze medals during an Olympics Reallocation Ceremony which took place at the ongoing 2024 Olympic Games in France.
The medals were awarded to the Jamaican trio after three original medallists in the respective events several years ago were implicated in doping and consequently disqualified.
Commenting on the awards, Grange said “I was pleased that Beverley, Chelsea and Kaliese got their just reward when they were presented with their medals in Paris at the ceremony which took place in front of an audience and with the iconic Eiffel Tower in the background. I congratulate all three women who have been distinguished representatives of Jamaica.”
Grange also commended the International Olympic Association (IOC) for proceeding with the ceremony.
“It is good that the IOC ensured that the right thing was done in the circumstances. The awarding of the medals represents confirmation that though in instances it may be delayed, the moral arc of the universe usually bends towards justice. Beverley, Chelsea and Kaliese can hold their heads high and be proud of their accomplishments which were achieved via hard work, dedication and talent,” she said.
McDonald, Hammond Ross and Spencer-Carter received their bronze medals from the 2000 Sydney, 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Games respectively.