MEDIA ALERT: Lashinda Demus Receives Gold Medal Moment in Paris
IOC Release / Demus Media Stories / GoFundMe / Full Release
WHO: Lashinda Demus, U.S. Olympian (Athens 2004, London 2012)
WHAT: Lashinda Demus to receive 2012 London Olympic 400-meter hurdles gold medal at the first-ever Summer Olympics International Olympic Committee (IOC) Reallocation Ceremony
WHEN: August 9th at 1:30 p.m. local time
WHERE: Champions Park | Paris (at the foot of Eiffel Tower)
Background
Lashinda Demus won the silver medal in the 400m hurdles at the London 2012 Olympics. In October of 2022, the IOC announced the gold medalist had doped, and she was disqualified, making Demus the gold medalist in March of 2023. The mother of four has worked relentlessly with the IOC for almost two years for this moment of glory for all. Her mom, Yolanda Demus, coached her to the first American title in the 400m hurdles. With the gold medal, Yolanda and Lashinda become the first Mother-Daughter Duo to win a Gold Medal at the Olympics in Track and Field.
A true pioneer, in 2012 she was called the fastest mother in the world as her twins (Dontay and Duaine Mayrant), then-aged 5, were in the stands cheering her on.
Presentation
The IOC will present the gold medal to Demus at Champions Park on August 9th at 1:30 pm in Paris (4:30 am Pacific time). All told, 10 Olympians will have their medals upgraded. Only Demus and U.S. High Jumper Eric Kynard (London 2012) will be presented with gold medals. Demus’ former Gamecock teammate, Jamaican Olympian Chelsea Hammond Ross, will receive the bronze medal for the long jump (Beijing 2008).
A private reception with USOPC dignitaries, family and other invited guests will follow the ceremony. It will be held in the early evening at the USA Olympic House. Later that evening, Demus and Kynard will be interviewed on NBC. Most likely with both wearing their gold medals.
GoFundMe Campaign Allows Additional Family to Attend
With the funds raised through a GoFundMe campaign, Demus is bringing her family, including her four children and her parents (Yolanda and Duaine Demus). Members of her extended family will also attend. Her children include 17-year-old twins, Dontay and Duaine, and Syre (5) and Sincere (4).
