Olympic silver medalist reinstated by IOC after controversial disqualification
Kenya star Faith Kipyegon has had her silver medal reinstated.
Kenyan athlete Faith Kipyegon has had her silver medal reinstated at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
On Monday night, Kipyegon battled for Olympic gold in the women’s 5000m final alongside reigning champion Sifan Hassan from the Netherlands.
The 30-year-old was overtaken by teammate Beatrice Chebet in the latter stages and had to settle for silver, with Hassan winning the bronze.
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Shortly after the race, it was announced that Kipyegon had been disqualified after an alleged push on Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay on the penultimate lap.
Gold medalist Chebet said: “It wasn’t Faith’s fault. I was behind them and Faith was in the inside lane. Gudaf tried to get into Faith’s lane.
“Faith had to use her hand to tell Gudaf 'Don’t push me'. It wasn’t Faith’s fault, she lost her balance and tried to avoid stepping out of the track.”
It was later confirmed that Kipyegon had been reinstated as the silver medalist.
Athletics Kenya wrote on social media: “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.”
Third-placed Hassan said: “I am really happy that Faith gets her medal back. I don’t really feel like I really deserved the silver. I don’t wish for medals I did not win.
“I love my bronze medal, it doesn’t matter to me what medal I get or position I finish as long as there is fairness.”
Kipyegon will be back in action on Tuesday as she takes part in the women’s 1500m heats, during which Team GB's Laura Muir will also be involved.
Speaking about her schedule, she said: “I wanted to run both races because I like it.
“This is my first time doubling at the Olympics. I step on the track and just run my race, we will see what is possible.”
Marcus Chan