US Runner Shannon Rowbury On Course For 2012 Olympic Medal After Russian Disqualified

results of London Olympics are still changing more than 12 years later.

Shannon Rowbury of United States took anor step toward a long-delayed bronze medal on Tuesday when Russian runner Tatyana Tomashova was officially disqualified from women's 1,500 meters final at London Games.

Athletics Integrity Unit, which oversees doping cases in track and field, said Tomashova h not filed an appeal against a doping ban she was given at Court of Arbitration for Sport in September.

That means decision is “final and binding" in records of World Athletics, and International Olympic Committee has been informed, AIU ded.

"We are committed to protecting integrity of athletics and, even when events have long passed, we will investigate potential violations fully,” AIU chair David Howman said in a statement. “I believe this outcome will still be meaningful for those who are justly recognised as a consequence.” Tomashova's disqualification should also raise Abeba Aregawi into silver medal position. She was competing for Ethiopia at time and later represented Sweden.

Tomashova was given a 10-year doping ban in September. court said at time that she tested positive for anabolic steroids in samples she gave in June and July 2012, weeks ahe of Olympics in London. AIU has said case was based on records that emerged much later indicating doping cover-ups at what was n Moscow anti-doping laboratory.

women's 1,500 final from 2012 Olympics ranks among most tainted events in Olympic history following more than a dece of doping revelations and legal battles.

original gold and silver medalists from Turkey, Asli Cakir Alptekin and Gamze Bulut, have long since been disqualified and banned for doping, and so have or athletes. Tomashova was originally fourth-place finisher and Rowbury crossed line sixth.

re might be anor long wait for medals.

IOC has final approval to reallocate medals. Medal presentation ceremonies can be held at a world championships or a future Olympics. next Summer Games is in 2028 in Los Angeles. IOC board is set to meet next month.

Rowbury is now aged 40 and retired from racing, and worked as a brocaster at Paris Olympics analyzing track races for NBC.