- Listen to audio clips from Demus at the bottom.
- For more coverage of Demus, watch/read the clips here.
The International Olympic Committee presents the 400m hurdles gold medal to two-time U.S. Olympian Lashinda Demus at Champions Park in Paris on August 9th. 4,384 days in the making, the gold medal was for the London 2012 Olympics. At the same time, two other women finally receive what they earned. Specifically, Zuzana Hejnová of Czechia receives silver and Kaliese Spencer of Jamaica receives bronze.
In addition, the three medalists describe their excitement in the hours before the ceremony. Equally important, their families are there beside them.
All told, 10 Olympians had their medals upgraded in the ceremony at Champions Park in Paris. Only Demus and U.S. High Jumper Eric Kynard (London 2012) are presented with gold medals.
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.
Undeniably a pioneer, she was called the fastest mother in the world in 2012. At that time, both Dontay and Duaine Mayrant, her five-year-old twins, were in the stands cheering her on.
Former Gamecock Teammate Chelsea Hammond Ross
Demus’ former Gamecock teammate, Jamaican Olympian Chelsea Hammond Ross, receives the bronze medal for the long jump (Beijing 2008) at the ceremony in Champions Park in Paris. She is the first Jamaican to medal in the long jump.
Demus’ Four Sons Come With Her to Paris
Demus’ four boys accompanied her to the gold medal ceremony. They are the now-17-year-old twins, Dontay and Duaine, Syre (5), and Sincere (4). To assist with travel costs to Paris, a Go Fund Me page has been established by the family.
Meanwhile, Dontay and Duaine are both thrilled. They are honored to wear the gold medal almost as soon as Lashinda receives it.
Ceremony at the USA House
A private reception with USOPC dignitaries, family and other invited guests followed the ceremony at the USA House in Paris. Her mother, Yolanda Demus (above with Lashinda) who served as her coach in 2012, is presented with the Order of the Ikkos as well.
The Order of Ikkos created the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee in 2008. It is presented by Team USA medal-winning athletes to a coach, mentor or other individual who has been instrumental in their success. The Order of Ikkos is named after Ikkos of Tarentum, the first recorded Olympic coach in ancient Greece. His coaching led multiple Tarentine athletes to gold medals in the pentathlon, and his legacy is honored through this award.
NBC Appearance
At the same time, Demus and Kynard are also interviewed by NBC. On this occasion, though, they have something new with them. Indeed, both are wearing their gold medals. Without a doubt, they are overjoyed to finally have them.
Clips from an interview with Lashinda Demus right after she received her gold medal on Friday, August 9th in Paris:
Who from your family came to the ceremony and what is it like celebrating with them?
What is it like to have your mom here?
What was it like to be in the stadium for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s world record?
What would you say about the general state of the 400m hurdles now?
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