Washington was the runner-up at the 2003 worlds behind Jerome Young, who was banned for life in 2004 after a second doping offence.

The IAAF fashioned a new gold medal for Washington, and it was presented Saturday by USA Track and Field chief executive Doug Logan.

“It's always a blessing that I get the opportunity to come back to get my world championship medal that was rightfully due to me,” said Washington, who retired last year.

“Especially just to have Doug Logan present it to me, that means a lot to me, someone who's the head of an organization that believes in fighting against drugs.”

Washington said the world title, albeit belated, was a satisfying achievement.

“To me, you can't get any bigger than the world,” Washington said. “Unless I go to another planet and race against some aliens, then I can't say that Olympic medal would be different. At this point, I'm just grateful to have that title.”