In a dramatic turn of events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon successfully won an appeal to have her silver medal reinstated in the women’s 5000m final.
The Athletics powerhouse had initially faced disqualification for obstruction, a decision that briefly saw her medal awarded to Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands and elevated Italy’s Nadia Battocletti to fourth place.
Kipyegon, who finished second after being outpaced by compatriot Beatrice Chebet in the final 50 meters, expressed her dismay upon learning of her disqualification.
The incident, involving Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay, was cited as unsporting behaviour, with Kipyegon explaining that Tsegay had pushed her while attempting to overtake.
Team Kenya promptly appealed, and after more than 30 minutes of deliberation, the disqualification was overturned.
Teammates Beatrice Chebet and Margaret Chelimo supported Kipyegon, emphasizing that the obstruction was caused by Tsegay’s actions.
Kipyegon, a double Olympic champion in the 1500m, now shifts her focus to her speciality event, seeking to secure a hat-trick of gold medals.
