MONTREAL (November 10, 2020) – On Tuesday, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Boxing Canada officially announced that Saint-Georges, Que. native, Tammara Thibeault’s Lima 2019 Pan American Games bronze medal was upgraded to silver.
The 23-year old pugilist had initially placed third in the women’s 75 kg category after losing a split decision in the semifinals against Colombia’s Jessica Caicedo, who would eventually go on to win gold. However, after carrying out more than 1,900 anti-doping control tests, Panam Sports announced the disqualification of Caicedo earlier this year.
“Being able to compete at the highest level at Lima 2019, I understand the dedication and perseverance required to win on the international stage. However, we must not forget the importance of integrity,” said Thibeault. “There are rules in place to give everyone a fair chance on the playing field and that is something that should never be compromised. This is not how I imagined winning a silver medal, but I am incredibly thankful for the reward. I cannot wait to continue my journey towards representing Team Canada at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games next summer.”
Team Canada’s 152 medals won at Lima 2019 now includes two silver in boxing, as Thibeault joins teammate Myriam Da Silva who finished second in the women’s 69 kg weight division.
“We were proud of the heart and integrity Tammara’s showed at Lima 2019 in and out of the ring and are so pleased that she has now been awarded what she rightfully earned,” said COC President Tricia Smith. “While we cannot be together in person to celebrate this momentous occasion, I know she recognizes how important this moment is in the fight for fair and clean sport. Congratulations, Tammara, your perseverance and determination, heart and integrity will always shine through.”
Despite being aware of the upgrade for a few months, Thibeault had only recently received her medal due to a prolonged re-allocation process impacted by COVID-19. She was presented the medal in a private setting in Montreal by Daniel Trépanier, Boxing Canada’s High-Performance Director.
“Starting today, Tammara Thibeault will be known as a Pan American Games silver medallist,” said Trépanier. “I am so incredibly proud of her and cannot wait to see what she is able to accomplish on her road to Tokyo 2020.”
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