How Olympics track star Lashinda Demus finally got her gold medal, 12 years later

At the 2012 London Summer Olympics, Lashinda Demus missed the gold medal in the 400 meter hurdles by less than a tenth-of-a-second.

The athlete who beat her was later disqualified for doping. Twelve years later, the now-Culver City track coach claimed her rightful medal in Paris Friday.

“The excitement I would have for getting a gold medal when it happened, standing on the podium, these are not the same excitement,” Demus told LAist in an earlier interview. “But I think that I'm excited for my family to experience something that we probably wouldn't have.”

How a medal changes hands

Demus advocated, with the help of a lawyer, to receive her medal on an international stage.

“I'm also excited about sharing my story and sharing my perspective in hopes that I can help someone,” Demus said.

Ten Olympians in similar circumstances, including high jumper and fellow American Erik Kynard, participated in the ceremony at Champions Park near the base of the Eiffel Tower. This is the first Olympics where medal reallocation ceremonies have been held.

Demus’ four children and her mom (who was also her London coach) are among the family members who shared in the celebration.

Lashinda Demus celebrated after the Women's 400m Hurdles Final at the 2012 Olympic Games in London, England. She finished .07 seconds behind her opponent in the race.

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Clive Brunskill

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Getty Images

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Demus, who has been running since childhood, said she now has a greater appreciation for the decades of training that lead up to her Olympic performances.

“It's a good place for me to be mentally,” Demus said. ”I think I'm just more aware and able to live in the moment and enjoy it that way.”

How Demus got here

Demus is part of a long line of Wilson High School Olympians. Alumni of the Long Beach high school have competed in every Summer Olympics since 1952, with the exception of the boycotted 1980 Moscow games.

Demus, a 2001 graduate and two-time Olympic hurdler, said Wilson is where she learned how to build — and be part of — a team.

There were group car washes to raise money and sleepovers before big rivalry meets.

“We might've not hung out together during the school day, but when it came to our team and doing team activities, we were all together, all together,” Demus said.

Where Demus is now

Now Demus coaches track across town at Culver City High School.

“The more I did it, the more I just noticed how much kids are malleable and you could really impact them and kind of set them on the right path,” Demus said.

Though she’s an Olympic medalist, and already an NCAA, national and world champion, Demus said it’s her high school records that hold the most clout with the athletes she coaches.

“When you have something tangible to put in front of them, they're more likely to listen to you,” Demus said with a laugh.

But she hopes they see a lesson in her long journey to Olympic gold.

“No one can beat hard work,” Demus said. “I want them to see how hard work equals success.”