Drug scandal-hit 5,000 metres world champion Olga Yegorova has returned home from Edmonton to a hero's welcome in Russia. She was greeted by a jubilant crowd upon her arrival at Moscow's Domodedovo International Airport.
Controversial Yegorova tested positive for banned drug EPO (erythropoietin) at a July meeting in Paris, but escaped punishment on a technicality because the test did not conform to International Olympic Committee standards.
"We are proud of all our champions and medal winners, but I think Olga deserved special praise," said Russia's Sports Minister Pavel Rozhkov. "She is a real hero, especially after what she has done. She may be small in size, but has a big heart and showed a true Russian character by overcoming all the odds and coming home with a gold medal," said Rozhkov.
"I don't consider myself a hero," said a tired Yegorova after her 14-hour flight from Edmonton. "But I wouldn't want anyone to experience the ordeal I went through in the last couple of weeks. I'm just an athlete and I came to the world championships to compete. Even during the worst days I never gave up hope that I would be allowed to compete because I know I have not done anything wrong. I'm just glad it's all over now," said Yegorova.
The 29-year-old Russian, who comfortably won Saturday's 5,000m final, was the subject of a trackside anti-drug protest by British team captain Paula Radcliffe before Thursday's heats. The world cross country champion held up a banner reading "EPO cheats out".
Filed by Greg McKevitt
