American distance runner Flanagan gets silver medal from 2008 Olympics

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[August 22, 2017]    (Reuters) - Distance runner Shalane Flanagan received her 2008 Olympic silver medal on Monday after the Turkish runner who finished ahead of her tested positive for a performance enhancing drug, the U.S. Olympic Committee and USA Track & Field said.

Shalane Flanagan of the U.S. reacts after finishing third in the women's 10,000m final of the athletics competition in the National Stadium at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games August 15, 2008. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach (CHINA)

Flanagan was the bronze medalist in the 10,000 meters at the Beijing Games until second-placed finisher Elvan Abeylegesse was disqualified in March after a re-test of a 2007 sample showed positive for the banned steroid stanozolol.

The USOC and USA Track & Field said Flanagan, who preferred not to have an official ceremony, received her silver medal at her home in Portland, Oregon, earlier on Monday.

"Receiving my proper medal and having the record books changed is a dream come true," Flanagan, said in a statement.

"I greatly appreciate the USOC's efforts to host a more formal medal ceremony in my honor, but with my coach and my family, I have decided to forego that option and instead celebrate in private.

"This news, and receiving my medal, are all that I need to feel incredibly fulfilled and happy."

The 2008 bronze medal previously owned by Flanagan, 36, has been returned to the IOC.

(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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