014: Kelly Sotherton on receiving her 4x400m medal ten years late

In this special podcast episode I talk to Kelly Sotherton just after receiving a retrospectively awarded Olympic medal for the 4x400m, ten years after the Beijing games.   Show notes Introduction to Kelly Sotherton and the award of 4x400m medal from the Beijing Olympics alongside Marilyn Okoro, Christine Ohuruogu and Nicola Sanders Background of how we developed 400m running performance from heptathlon training Sadness and hope. Sadness that athletes and countries resorted to cheating. Hope that the authorities are punishing athletes retrospectively Athletes taking the courage to speak out against cheating The moment the women’s 4x400m team received their medals Finally got the medal 8:00 Heptathlon medal still to come Mixed emotions, when Kelly retired there was a sense of bitterness and being heartbroken but being reflective that she did everything to get her in the best shape possible After Athens 2004 Olympics, her coach Charles van Comenee left the UK, Kelly pulls together a group of coaches The running begins to plateau - where the two of us started to work together The fact finding mission at a training camp in Portugal The results start to come. Kelly medals at the Worlds Championships. Kelly calls out Lyudmila Blonska, someone who already cheated. The gamble of investing in a new approach to running Focussed on speed to renew Kelly’s running ability and my transition to the coaching team Background to Kelly calling out other athletes as dopers How Kelly felt about competing against athletes. Blonska and Chernova effects Kelly performance The headline is injustice, sympathy for missing out on the moment, loss of earnings – but competing against dopers did negatively affect her performance Kelly’s hopes that we don’t see these retrospective medal awards Sport won’t forget athletes like Kelly as victims of cheaters Many athletes haven’t received their rightful medals, so Kelly feels fortunate to have the moment. Goldie Sayers still waiting How Kelly and I came across the 400m while focussing on developing the 300m ability Top Britain in 2008 indoor season and 8th in World – leading to a curiosity in her 400m ability Not getting distracted by the 400m. A trial of whether Kelly’s ability could contribute to the 4x400m team, running 51s split In shape for heptathlon – but capable of a great 400m performance. A pivotal 300m trial that impresses the 4x400m coaches 8th fastest GB 400m split of all time A lesson in rounded training that can help overall performance Reflecting on what could be but blighted by injury, trying different training methods to keep Kelly fit when injured Kelly applies the lessons learned from her career to athletes now         Heptathlon medal still to come, how Kelly focuses on the individual medal having more meaning Three time Olympic medallist The consequences of being cheated Kelly being active as a coach, team leader, establishing the athlete commission, “What are you doing about it?” Make it happen, make it better    Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champs Steve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steve Supporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-champions Instagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/ A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/ If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/ or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.