England’s women’s 4×100 meters relay team has been retrospectively awarded the gold medal from the 2022 Commonwealth Games, following the disqualification of the Nigerian team, the Commonwealth Games Federation confirmed on Friday.
The initial champions, Nigeria, were stripped of their result due to a doping violation by their anchor, Nzubechi Grace Nwokocha. Consequently, the Jamaica tam anchored by Olympic double-double sprint champion Elaine Thompson-Herah and Australia have been upgraded to silver and bronze positions.
The English team, comprised of Asha Philip, Imani-Lara Lansiquot, Bianca Williams, and Daryll Neita, had originally secured second place with a time of 42.41 seconds at the event held in Birmingham in August 2022. – Read more: Another record for Tobi Amusan as she storms to victory at Commonwealth Games 2022
The Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) later provisionally suspended Nwokocha for using prohibited substances, leading to the annulment of both her individual and team results at the Birmingham Games by the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Asha Philip, a member of the English team, expressed her delight at the upgraded result.
“I am delighted to become a Commonwealth Games Champion from the 2022 Games,” she said on Euro Sports. “It’s truly an honor to represent my country, and the Birmingham Games were so awesome with a home crowd.”
Philip, who has now won her second Commonwealth Games gold, spoke of the significance of the achievement and the support she received from the supporters.
“This means a lot to me, as it is my second Commonwealth Games Gold. I have been blessed to achieve so much in my career, and I can’t wait to achieve even more in the seasons to come. Competing in front of the home crowd was amazing, the support was incredible,” she added.
Philip, who has familial ties to the Midlands, referred to Birmingham as her “second home” and expressed her joy at having her family and friends in the crowd.
She also mentioned her plans to celebrate the achievement with her loved ones, as she cherishes spending her time away from the track with them.
