The women's 60-meter final at the World Indoor Championships in Belgrade was extremely even.

It took a long time before one was sure who had taken the bronze because as many as four runners ran in a time of 7.04 seconds.

Finally, the news came that the American Marybeth Sant-Price accompanied her compatriot Mikiah Brisco and the Swiss winner Mujinga Kambundji on the podium.

Then Sant-Price and Brisco immediately embraced each other and both burst into tears.

- When I saw the two American flags, it became emotional immediately.

I feel grateful and overwhelmed by all the emotions, says Sant-Price.

Doctors advised to stop

The road to the World Cup medal has been very long for Sant-Price.

She graduated from high school as America's most promising female sprinter, but at the University of Oregon came the injuries and setbacks.

It all ended with her quitting athletics and being away from the sport during the years 2017 and 2018.

- I thought I had done my part in the sport and I was away from athletics for two years and nine months.

From the beginning, there were many stress fractures.

Then a bone density measurement showed that I had low bone density and that was why a doctor advised me to stop.

"Knew it was possible"

So it took almost three years, but then she Sant-Price started working for a comeback.

- I knew I could, and had the talent required, to get back to the highest level.

Since I came back, I have worked hard and now I feel that I have finally reached my potential, she says.

Did you then think that you could go all the way to a World Cup medal?

- I knew it was possible.

I knew I had the talent.

I had to go through tough times to get back.

"Had my heart left in the sport"

How come you return after a doctor has advised you to stop?

- I felt that I had healed enough in the two years and nine months.

I still had my heart left in the sport and the passion was there.

I was not ready to put the nails on the shelf and so I was declared healthy by another doctor.

Sant-Price is now looking forward to the outdoor World Cup at home in the USA this summer.

- I am very tagged, especially when it is in the US.

I want to maximize my potential and do what I am capable of doing.

I just want to have fun and be at the top.