Supporting Champions 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
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