Faith Kipyegon's Silver Medal Reinstated After Successful Appeal, Says Athletics Kenya

 

Faith Kipyegon's Silver Medal Reinstated After Successful Appeal, Says Athletics Kenya

Paris, August 5, 2024 -- In a dramatic turnaround, Faith Kipyegon's silver medal in the Women's 5000 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics has been reinstated following a successful appeal by Athletics Kenya. Kipyegon was initially disqualified for obstruction after a controversial incident during the final laps of the race.

It's official 

Legendary women's 5000m podium 

🥇 Beatrice Chebet 🇰🇪
🥈 Faith Kipyegon 🇰🇪
🥉 Sifan Hassan 🇳🇱

Faith Kipyegon

The disqualification followed a tussle between Kipyegon and Ethiopia's Gudaf Tsegay Desta, which could be seen from race footage. As the athletes approached the home stretch, Tsegay attempted to shift into an inside lane where Kipyegon was running. The resulting tussle saw Kipyegon hold her ground while Tsegay tried to forge ahead. First, officials decided that Kipyegon obstructed the path of Tsegay.

Following Athletics Kenya's appeal, which argued the disqualification was unjust, the appeal was upheld, restoring Kipyegon’s silver medal. The final, official standings now reflect the following podium:

🥇 Beatrice Chebet 🇰🇪
🥈 Faith Kipyegon 🇰🇪
🥉 Sifan Hassan 🇳🇱

Despite Kenya's current performance trailing behind Uganda and Ethiopia in the overall medal standings, this reinstatement is a significant boost. Kenya now proudly holds two medals, showcasing resilience and strength in athletics and adding a moment of joy to the Paris Olympics.

The revised results now stand: Beatrice Chebet was the gold medalist, Faith Kipyegon was the silver medalist, and Nadia Battocletti of Italy secured the bronze. Sifan Hassan dropped back from an upgraded silver to her original position of bronze, while Tsegay, who was involved in the incident, remains in the 8th position.

The swing of events at the meeting, with the unexpected win of Beatrice Chebet and the consequent reinstatement to silver medalist Kipyegon, has added to a wave of euphoria in Kenya. Though not quite matching up with Uganda and Ethiopia, ahead of them in terms of medal standings, Kenya now joyfully takes two medals home. To that end, it reflects the great might and struggle of the country in athletics, with this new dramatic turn which Paris is giving to the Olympics and will imprint in the eyes of fans worldwide.