Mick Rogers finally receives his medal, but he can never have the moment.
The Australian cycling star admitted to mixed feelings after learning the International Olympic Committee (IOC) had officially stripped American Tyler Hamilton of his road time trial gold medal from the 2004 Athens Games.
The IOC will reassign the medals after Hamilton admitted to doping and returned his gold medal.
That meant Rogers improved from fourth to bronze, his first Olympic medal.
While pleased that the matter appears to be resolved - Rogers is yet to receive official word - he said it was disappointing not to have the memory of being on the podium in Athens.
"I am pleased that the IOC have decided to award me the medal," Rogers said.
"But they can never give you the photo on the wall, I guess," Rogers said.
"We can't roll back time, unfortunately, but that's the way it is."
Rogers, 32, rode in his fourth Olympics at London, finishing 91st in the road race and sixth in the time trial.
The three-time world time trial champion rides for professional team Sky and one of his bosses is American Bobby Julich, who now wins the silver medal behind Russian Viatcheslav Ekimov.
Julich and Rogers have exchanged emails since the IOC's decision was made public through the media in the last couple of days.
"He (Julich) felt a bit sorry for me, that I didn't get that moment on the podium," Rogers said.
"At the same time, I am happy that justice has been done and I will leave it there.
Rogers' parents Ian and Sonja were in Athens to watch him compete and father and son shared a glass of champagne when they heard the news at Michael's Swiss home to celebrate the medal.
"It was nice to enjoy the moment," Rogers said.
Rogers added he would feel awkward about an official ceremony to re-award the medals.
"I just think it would be too weird - it's eight years on," Rogers said.
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