A special medal re-allocation ceremony was held during the IFMA World Championships 2023 to rectify the results of the Women’s -54KG division from the 2022 World Games in Birmingham. This followed the disqualification of World Games 2022 gold medallist Sveva Melillo due to an Anti-Doping Rule Violation, leading to the forfeiture of all her individual results, including medals, diplomas, points, and prizes. Ms. Melillo has additionally received a 4-year period of ineligibility ending on 11 August 2026.
During this heartfelt ceremony, the rightful medallists were honored with their well-deserved accolades. Ashley Thiener from the United States was awarded the Gold Medal, Laura Burgos from Mexico received the Silver Medal, and Yolanda Schmidt from Australia was presented with the Bronze Medal.
IFMA congratulates Ashley, Laura, and Yolanda on their achievements. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting clean athletes and ensuring a fair competition environment by continuing to enforce strict anti-doping measures and punishing those who violate these rules.
