Erik Kynard Receives Gold Medal from 2012 Olympics After Russian Scandal

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – After originally earning the silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics, Kansas State track and field alumni Erik Kynard retroactively received a gold medal in the high jump, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced on Friday (November 12).

Back in 2012, Kynard jumped to a height of 2.33 meters in the high jump but was surpassed by Russian Ivan Ukhov who jumped to a height of 2.38 meters.

Years later, Ukhov was disqualified for violating Olympic doping rules and was banned for four years in 2019 at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Ukhov went back to the same court last year for an appeal hearing but failed to overturn the ruling. Kynard then was upgraded to a gold medal while the three bronze medalists, Derek Drouin from Canada, Robbie Grabarz of Britain and Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar, were given silver medals.

"We are very pleased for Erik that the IOC finally approved reallocating medals for the men's high jump at the 2012 London Olympic Games resulting in Erik being awarded the gold medal," stated Director of Track and Field and Cross Country Cliff Rovelto. "We have always viewed Erik's performance in London as he won the silver, not that he lost the gold. He competed very well in the Olympic final."

The decision has been a long time coming for Kynard, who has argued that he deserved a gold medal since Ukhov was first accused of cheating. Kynard is one of the top Olympians in the history of K-State Athletics, and his legend will only grow now that his silver medal has been elevated to a gold.

"The feat that Erik and the three athletes that originally tied for the bronze medal, and for that matter, the athlete that was fourth, who will now be awarded the bronze medal, did not get the opportunity to celebrate their placings is unfortunate," said Rovelto. "They were denied their rightful recognition and the extrinsic rewards their performances deserved. Personally, I will continue to cherish the intrinsic feelings that come from the successful completion of the process Erik and I began in 2009 when Erik began his studies at Kansas State. What really makes me proud is that I know that Erik will have the same takeaway."

The IOC also reallocated the bronze medal in women's high jump from a Russian athlete. Svetlana Shkolina was disqualified for rules violations and Spain's Ruth Beitia will now get the bronze.

"For both Erik and USA Track & Field, who believe and participate in a vigorous, world-wide anti-doping program, this is wonderful news," stated CEO of USA Track and Field Max Siegel. "He was the 2011 and 2012 NCAA men's high jump champion while at Kansas State, a year in which he began a 5-year run of being ranked among the top-10 in the world in the high jump. Erik, who is not only a great athlete but a leader in the sport, justifiably is now the 2012 Olympic Champion."

Similarly in wrestling, Tervel Dlagnev from the United States will be moved up to 2012 Olympic 120kg freestyle bronze. That move was also expected after the original gold and silver medalists were stripped in 2019.

For the latest on K-State Track and Field follow @kstatesports and @KStateTFXC on Twitter or Kansas State Track & Field/Cross Country on Facebook.

Kansas State University Athletics

Erik Kynard Receives Gold Medal from 2012 Olympics After Russian Scandal

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