Four-time Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon has opened up about the 5000m drama at the Paris 2024 Olympics between her and Ethiopian world record-holder Gudaf Tsegay.
Speaking in a TV interview, Kipyegon recounted the events that led to the clash with Tsegay, adding that the Ethiopian later apologized for her actions.
The 1500m women’s world record holder said that Tsegay nearly pushed her out of the race, but she managed to fight back and maintain her balance.
Kipyegon explained that Tsegay began charging forward when she wanted to lead the race, which led to the incident. She also thanked her fellow Kenyans, Beatrice Chebet (gold medalist) and Margaret Chelimo, for their teamwork.
“She came in strong, and I protested, telling her that she was pushing me inside and out of my tracks. She then started pushing me further inside dramatically. At least I fought back and returned to my lane. It took a lot out of me mentally. But I forgave and forgot, allowing myself to move on,” she said.
Kipyegon revealed that Tsegay approached her after the 1500m heat the following day and apologized. She stated that she forgave the Ethiopian, adding that such issues are part of sports.
“After we competed in the 1500m heats the following day, she came and knelt before me, admitted that she was the one who pushed me, and asked for forgiveness. So, I forgave her because, you know, this is sports. We will meet tomorrow, and we need each other. I can’t compete alone, so I forgave her, and we became friends,” she said.
Also Read: Faith Kipyegon: What Kenya Needs to Do to Keep Producing Athletes Like Her
Kipyegon Silver Medal Reinstated
Initially, Kipyegon lost her silver medal after she was disqualified from the podium for committing an obstruction offense during the women’s 5000m race.
The decision upgraded Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands to silver and Nadia Battocletti of Italy to bronze.
However, the Kenyan team filed an appeal, and the decision was overturned. In its ruling, the jury said it had reviewed all available evidence and agreed that there was significant contact between the two athletes.
Also Read: Faith Kipyegon Gets Back Her Medal After Appeal
The Jury of Appeal stated that the incident did not warrant a disqualification, hence the decision to award Kipyegon the silver medal.
“The Jury of Appeal has reinstated Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon to the silver medal position in the women’s 5000m,” read part of the ruling.
However, the incident was deemed unacceptable, and it was directed that Kipyegon should receive a yellow card, which would apply to the remaining races.
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