Women’s 1500 metres World Record holder Faith Kipyegon of Kenya had her silver medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics reinstated after twists and turns.
Kipyegon was disqualified from the podium for committing an obstruction offence during the Women’s 5000m race, but the decision was reversed after an appeal from Kenya.
In a ruling, the Jury said it had reviewed all available evidence and agreed there was significant contact between, and by the two athletes.
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 the ruling in part.
It explained that the incident was unacceptable and directed that Kipyegon should receive a yellow card which runs throughout the remaining races.
“The Jury wishes to make clear that jostling of this nature is never acceptable and therefore recommends that Faith Kipyegon receives a disciplinary yellow card which would carry throughout the remainder of the Games,” said the Jury.
This means the final podium is Beatrice Chebet (gold), Kipyegon (silver), and Sifan Hassan (bronze), as confirmed by World Athletics.
“Congratulations to Faith Kipyegon, her silver medal has been reinstated. Kenya’s team officials led by Milka Chemos, Bernard Ouma, and Team Manager Peter Angwenyi successfully appealed and won her case,” said Athletics Kenya through a post on X.
About the Incident
The incident happened between Kipyegon and 5000m world record-holder Gudaf Tsegay, 27, of Ethiopia, who tried to cut over from the outside at around twelve and a half minutes into the race with more than two laps remaining.
Kipyegon and Chebet appeared to be talking even before they swung around and overtook Tsegay, who was leading the race at that particular time.
The two Kenyan teammates then battled in the final lap, with Kipyegon leading until Chebet surged ahead in the home stretch, finishing in 14:28.56 for gold.
Kipyegon crossed the line in 14:29.60, followed closely by Sifan Hassan, 31, of the Netherlands, in 14:30.61.
However, when the official results were first released, Kipyegon was disqualified with a code of TR17.1.2[O], which indicates a World Athletics rule against obstruction.
The decision upgraded Hassan to silver and Nadia Battocletti, 24, of Italy, to bronze.
However, the Kenyan team filed an appeal, and the decision was overturned, returning the silver to Kipyegon, downgrading Hassan to bronze, and leaving Battocletti off the podium.
Also Read: Faith Kipyegon: What Kenya Needs to Do to Keep Producing Athletes Like Her
Hassan Talks of Tsegay’s Dramas
Speaking after the race Hassan said she had no problem if Kipyegon was given back the silver medal stating that Tsegay is known for such dramas. She recalled when the Ethiopian athlete pushed her during a race in 2023.
Sifan Hassan: “It is always drama with Tsegay. She pushed me last year. She is always pulling and pushing. I feel bad for Faith Kipyegon. I wouldn’t mind if she gets silver back.”
On her part, Battocletti said, “It really doesn’t matter. I already knew she (Kipyegon) was going to protest.” She added that both Kipyegon and Chebet have been phenomenal in 2024. “I’m really happy with my bronze medal; I love it,” she said.
Also Read: Silver Medalist Brigid Kosgei Withdraws from Team Kenya Olympics
Faith Kipyegon Speaks After Reinstatement
Faith Kipyegon explained that she didn’t push Tsegay as initially stated, adding that she even agreed to give the Ethiopian space.
“I was in front, and she tried to come in front, and I told her (please) you will push me inside, come slowly I will excuse you and she kept pushing and she put me in an awkward situation. I did not push anyone,” said Kipyegon.
Kipyegon will defend her 1500m title on Tuesday, August 6, at 11:05 in an attempt to win three successive titles in the race.
“I will immediately shift focus to the 1500m because it’s coming up tomorrow (Tuesday) in the morning. I’m disappointed, but I will now focus on my race tomorrow,” she said.
Kenya Celebrates
President William Ruto led the country is celebrating Beatrice Chebe and Faith Kipyegon’s wins in Paris.
“What a show of excellence from the Kenyan team at the Paris Olympic Games. We are proud of Beatrice Chebet for opening Kenya’s gold account with her win in the Women’s 5,000m final. For Faith Kipyegon, keep the faith!” said Ruto after Kipyegon was disqualified on August 5.
On August 6, Ruto congratulated the talented athlete after the reinstatement of her medal.
“Hongera (congratulations) Faith Kipyegon. The reinstatement of your Paris Olympics 5000m silver medal is well deserved. Keep shining,” Ruto said.
First Lady Rachel Ruto was also elated, sending a hearty message to Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet and Mary Moraa who won bronze in women’s 800m final.
“Hongera to Beatrice Chebet for winning the women’s 5,000m and clinching Kenya’s first gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games.
Congratulations to Faith Kipyegon for winning silver in the women’s 5,000m and to Mary Moraa for winning bronze in the women’s 800m! We are proud of you!” she stated.
Incoming sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen noted: “Appeal Done. Congratulations Faith Kipyegon. Well done #TeamKenya for putting up a spirited fight. Justice has been done.”
Chebet, Kipyegon and Moraa ended Kenya’s long wait at the Olympics after missing out in 10000m and 100m.
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