TORONTO (November 12, 2021) – On Friday, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that Derek Drouin’s London 2012 Olympic high jump bronze medal was upgraded to silver following the disqualification of the initial gold medal winner, Ivan Ukhov of Russia and modification of the event’s results.
Then a 22-year-old from Corunna, Ontario, Drouin had finished in a three-way tie for bronze in the high jump in his Olympic debut at London 2012 after clearing 2.29 metres. The retroactive upgrade to silver also includes Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar and Robert Grabarz of Great Britain, who are now placed second to the official gold medallist, American Erik Kynard.
“We are proud of the way Derek has always represented Canada. The upgrade of his 2012 bronze medal to a silver only adds to the brilliance of his career and reinforces the importance of integrity and clean sport at all levels of competition,” said Canadian Olympic Committee President, Tricia Smith. “Derek is an amazing champion and ambassador for the Olympic Movement in Canada and around the world.”
Following London 2012, Drouin would go on to win high jump gold at Rio 2016 to become Canada’s first Olympic champion in an athletics field event since Duncan McNaughton also won the high jump at Los Angeles 1932.
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