Retired athlete Donna Fraser could be in line to receive a surprise Olympic bronze medal – six years after running the race in Athens.

The 400m star’s relay team was beaten into fourth place by the USA during the 2004 competition, but American runner Crystal Cox has been banned for four years and stripped of her medal after admitting taking steroids and hormones during the tournament.

Olympic authorities are now investigating the conduct of the other American team members following the revelations, which could open the door for the British runners to receive bronze medals in their stead.

The 37-year-old said: “I haven’t officially been given any news so I’m still holding tight, but hearing the news is fantastic.

“Maybe not for Crystal Cox and the rest of the Americans, but certainly for us when we worked so hard.

“I remember that race as if it was yesterday, and coming fourth is never a nice position to be in.”

The former athlete, who lives in Croydon, said the medal would take pride of place among her other awards at her parents’ house.

She said: “They won’t let me have any at my house – their view is that they raised me, so they should get the rewards. I’m happy them being there – it’s a constant reminder for them of what I’ve achieved.”