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Adam Nelson finally honored as 2004 Olympic champ

Sports

June 23rd, 2013 by Ric Hanson

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Shot putter Adam Nelson took his long-awaited victory lap as the 2004 Olympic gold medalist during a ceremony Sunday at the U.S track and field championships. Nelson was officially elevated to Olympic champion last month, taking the gold that was stripped from a Ukrainian rival for doping. Nelson finished second in Athens behind Yuriy Bilonog, whose gold medal was removed by the International Olympic Committee in December after his reanalyzed sample tested positive for steroids.
 
Nelson stood on the top step with a laurel wreath resting on his head. Then, he listened as the national anthem played over loud speakers.  And, finally, he got to do what he wanted most – taking his two young kids with him on a celebratory lap.