Sports
The American athlete talks to Bustle ahead of the Paris Olympics.
Her friend and fellow Olympian Kara Goucher congratulated her on the news.
Doping has become an epidemic in professional running.
Losing out on the real-time accolades can have huge financial implications.
It must have been both vindicating and heartbreaking to get this news.
How does it feel to know that youarean Olympic medalist?
Youve been outspoken about losing those medal moments, and the potential financial opportunities that come with them.
How do we rectify this?
Being cheated out of those opportunities is unforgivable.
We [should be] talking [about] lifetime bans.
]And folks who are caught doping should be fined.
There needs to be sport reform where athletes have to pay damages.
What I need is next steps.
Its not just about the money, though.
What can be done to better support athletes in your situation?
All three times, I found out the news from an article.
Now that youve been upgraded to the bronze, have you pictured what receiving that medal might look like?
It takes time, and I want it to be done right.
I want a very real moment in Los Angeles 2028.
And I want to be supported over the next four years to continue the fight for change.
I dont want to be banging down doors, siloed as Ive been for the last 12 years.
I want the governing bodies to get up on their feet and champion this change.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
