Team Kenya breathed a sigh of relief after Faith Kipyegon’s silver medal was reinstated in the women’s 5000m race at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The double Olympic and world 1500m champion had initially been disqualified for allegedly obstructing Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. However, following an appeal by Team Kenya, Kipyegon’s medal was restored, ensuring Kenya secured the top two positions in a highly competitive race.

Race Results and Disqualification Drama

In an exciting turn of events, debutant Beatrice Chebet won gold with a time of 14 minutes 28.56 seconds, while Kipyegon finished second with 14 minutes 29.60 seconds. The Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan claimed bronze with a time of 14 minutes 30.61 seconds. The drama unfolded when Kipyegon, after celebrating, learned of her disqualification due to alleged obstruction of Tsegay. During the race, Kipyegon’s outstretched arm made contact with Tsegay with just over 800 meters remaining, causing Tsegay to become unbalanced.

Public Reaction and Appeals

The disqualification shocked viewers worldwide and angered many Kenyans who felt the medal had been unjustly taken. Team Kenya, led by Team Manager Peter Angwenyi, lodged a successful appeal. “I am so sad for Faith, and I hope justice will be done,” Chebet remarked, expressing support for her teammate. The official ruling initially cited obstruction, but after review, the Jury of Appeal decided that the incident did not warrant disqualification.

Medal Reinstatement and Further Developments

The Jury of Appeal confirmed that there was significant contact between the athletes but decided it did not warrant a disqualification, resulting in Kipyegon’s silver medal being reinstated. Athletics Kenya announced the news on social media, expressing congratulations to Kipyegon. Although Kipyegon did not have time for a post-race recovery or to speak with reporters due to the unfolding drama, her reinstated medal was a significant victory for Kenya.

Additional Medals and Future Events

The night was further marked by Mary Moraa’s bronze medal in the women’s 800m race, giving Kenya a total of three medals. Kipyegon will next compete in the 1500m round one race, scheduled for 11:20 am at the Stade de France in Paris, with high expectations from Kenyan supporters.

Relief for Team Kenya

Team Kenya breathed a sigh of relief after Faith Kipyegon’s silver medal was reinstated in the women’s 5000m race at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The double Olympic and world 1500m champion had initially been disqualified for allegedly obstructing Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. However, following an appeal by Team Kenya, Kipyegon’s medal was restored, ensuring Kenya secured the top two positions in a highly competitive race.

Race Results and Disqualification Drama

In an exciting turn of events, debutant Beatrice Chebet won gold with a time of 14 minutes 28.56 seconds, while Kipyegon finished second with 14 minutes 29.60 seconds. The Netherlands’ Sifan Hassan claimed bronze with a time of 14 minutes 30.61 seconds. The drama unfolded when Kipyegon, after celebrating, learned of her disqualification due to alleged obstruction of Tsegay. During the race, Kipyegon’s outstretched arm made contact with Tsegay with just over 800 meters remaining, causing Tsegay to become unbalanced.

Public Reaction and Appeals

The disqualification shocked viewers worldwide and angered many Kenyans who felt the medal had been unjustly taken. Team Kenya, led by Team Manager Peter Angwenyi, lodged a successful appeal. “I am so sad for Faith, and I hope justice will be done,” Chebet remarked, expressing support for her teammate. The official ruling initially cited obstruction, but after review, the Jury of Appeal decided that the incident did not warrant disqualification.

Medal Reinstatement and Further Developments

The Jury of Appeal confirmed that there was significant contact between the athletes but decided it did not warrant a disqualification, resulting in Kipyegon’s silver medal being reinstated. Athletics Kenya announced the news on social media, expressing congratulations to Kipyegon. Although Kipyegon did not have time for a post-race recovery or to speak with reporters due to the unfolding drama, her reinstated medal was a significant victory for Kenya.

Additional Medals and Future Events

The night was further marked by Mary Moraa’s bronze medal in the women’s 800m race, giving Kenya a total of three medals. Kipyegon will next compete in the 1500m round one race, scheduled for 11:20 am at the Stade de France in Paris, with high expectations from Kenyan supporters.