The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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In a tense women’s 5000m final at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Monday night, Kenya emerged victorious as Faith Kipyegon’s appeal for a silver medal was upheld.
Kipyegon, who initially finished second after being overtaken by fellow Kenyan Beatrice Chebet, had been disqualified for obstruction, with her medal originally awarded to Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and Italian Nadia Battocletti moved to fourth place.
Kipyegon, disheartened by the disqualification news as she approached the media area, expressed her frustration over the incident with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, with whom she had a contentious exchange two laps from the finish.
“I’m upset by what happened; I was disqualified, and I’m not sure why… I don’t understand what occurred,” a teary-eyed Kipyegon said.
She continued, “Gudaf was trying to overtake me and kept pushing, which almost pushed me out of the lane. I don’t know where I was supposed to go. We’re hopeful about the appeal.”
With emotions running high, Kipyegon wept as she passed through the media zone while Team Kenya’s officials submitted an appeal, which took over 30 minutes to resolve successfully.
Chebet and Chelimo Support Kipyegon
Teammates Chebet, the new Olympic champion, and Margaret Chelimo supported Kipyegon, asserting that Gudaf Tsegay should have faced consequences for the pushing, not Kipyegon.
“There was pushing with two laps remaining as everyone jostled for position, but Gudaf was especially aggressive,” Chelimo said. “Though I didn’t win a medal, I’m pleased for Faith and Beatrice.”
Chebet added, “The fault was Gudaf’s, not Faith’s. I was behind them, and Faith was trying to maintain her position without leaving her lane despite Gudaf’s attempts to shove her.”
Kipyegon is now concentrating on Tuesday’s 1500m race, her specialty, as she aims for a third consecutive gold medal in the event.
“I’m focusing on the 1500m race now. I’m mentally prepared,” the 5000m world record holder emphasized.
