The 1997 Great Britain men's 4x400m relay team has finally received their gold medals, 28 years after the event. The team, consisting of Roger Black, Iwan Thomas, Jamie Baulch, Mark Richardson, and Mark Hylton, initially finished second to the USA at the World Athletics Championships in Athens. However, the American team was later disqualified due to an anti-doping violation by team member Antonio Pettigrew.

This disqualification upgraded the British team to world champions. The athletes were belatedly presented with their gold medals at a sold-out London Stadium during the Diamond League meeting. Cherry Alexander, UK Athletics' strategic lead for major events, expressed pride in giving these athletes their moment in front of a home crowd.

"It's a chance to recognize not just their talent, but the values they stood for. This medal means even more because of how long they've waited for it," said Alexander. The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of fair play and perseverance in athletics.