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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