Kenya lost an Olympic silver medal after Faith Kipyegon was disqualified in the women’s 5,000m final on Monday night.
What was supposed to be a good day turned worse for Kipyegon. First, she lost gold to Beatrice Chebet in the final stretch. Then, she learned that her second place would not count, as she was disqualified for jostling and obstruction.
The questionable exchange occurred about 12 and a half minutes into the race, just before 4,200 meters, with a little more than two laps remaining. At that point, Kipyegon was leading and running close to the rail.
World record-holder Gudaf Tsegay from Ethiopia tried to cut in from the outside. As a result, Kipyegon gave her a slight shove, signaling that space was limited.
In the final 60 meters, the double world cross-country champion passed Kipyegon to claim her first Olympic title and secured Kenya’s first gold medal at the 2024 Games.
Chebet clocked 14:28.56 to win gold, while Kipyegon finished second. However, Kipyegon faced a further shock when she was disqualified. As a result, Hassan was elevated to second place with a time of 14:30.61, and Italian Nadia Battocletti was awarded the bronze medal.
Kipyegon was disqualified under Rule TR17.2.2 (163.2 (b)) on jostling or obstruction (O/S). It suggests: Any athlete who jostles, pushes, or obstructs another athlete during a race could be disqualified by the applicable referee on the report of an umpire.
READ ALSO :A VIDEO OF SIZE 8 SUGGESTING WHAT MIGHT HAVE LED TO SEPARATION WITH DJ MO RESURFACES (VIDEO)
Appeal Overturns Disqualification
But soon after, the disqualification was overturned on appeal. As a result, this decision returned the silver medal to Kipyegon, moved Hassan to bronze, and removed Battocletti from the podium.
At the press conference afterward, Hassan said she didn’t mind moving back to bronze. In fact, she expected it and believed that Kipyegon deserved the silver.
“I’m really happy that Faith got her medal back—she deserves it. I didn’t feel I deserved the silver and don’t wish for medals I didn’t earn. I love my bronze medal. What matters to me is fairness, not the medal or position.” Hassan said.