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 notesIntroduction to Kelly Sotherton and the award of 4x400m medal from the Beijing Olympics alongside Marilyn Okoro, Christine Ohuruogu and Nicola SandersBackground of how we developed 400m running performance from heptathlon trainingSadness and hope. Sadness that athletes and countries resorted to cheating. Hope that the authorities are punishing athletes retrospectivelyAthletes taking the courage to speak out against cheatingThe moment the women’s 4x400m team received their medalsFinally got the medal 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 possibleAfter Athens 2004 Olympics, her coach Charles van Comenee left the UK, Kelly pulls together a group of coachesThe running begins to plateau - where the two of us started to work togetherThe fact finding mission at a training camp in PortugalThe 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 runningFocussed on speed to renew Kelly’s running ability and my transition to the coaching teamBackground to Kelly calling out other athletes as dopersHow Kelly felt about competing against athletes. Blonska and Chernova effects Kelly performanceThe headline is injustice, sympathy for missing out on the moment, loss of earnings – but competing against dopers did negatively affect her performanceKelly’s hopes that we don’t see these retrospective medal awardsSport won’t forget athletes like Kelly as victims of cheatersMany athletes haven’t received their rightful medals, so Kelly feels fortunate to have the moment. Goldie Sayers still waitingHow Kelly and I came across the 400m while focussing on developing the 300m abilityTop Britain in 2008 indoor season and 8th in World – leading to a curiosity in her 400m abilityNot getting distracted by the 400m. A trial of whether Kelly’s ability could contribute to the 4x400m team, running 51s splitIn shape for heptathlon – but capable of a great 400m performance. A pivotal 300m trial that impresses the 4x400m coaches8th fastest GB 400m split of all timeA lesson in rounded training that can help overall performanceReflecting on what could be but blighted by injury, trying different training methods to keep Kelly fit when injuredKelly applies the lessons learned from her career to athletes now        Heptathlon medal still to come, how Kelly focuses on the individual medal having more meaningThree time Olympic medallistThe consequences of being cheatedKelly being active as a coach, team leader, establishing the athlete commission, “What are you doing about it?” Make it happen, make it better  Supporting Champions on Twitter www.twitter.com/support_champsSteve Ingham on Twitter www.twitter.com/ingham_steveSupporting Champions on Linkedin, www.linkedin.com/company/supporting-championsInstagram https://www.instagram.com/supportingchampions/A reminder if you’re keen to pre-register for the next wave of Graduate Membership enrolments then you can do so at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/membership/If you’re looking for some coaching support or some virtual team development help to support you to get to the next level in work, life or sport then take a look at https://supportingchampions.co.uk/coaching-mentoring/or drop us a note at [email protected] then you can sign up for a free consultation to explore which package is right for you.