By Kenya’s Beatrice Chebet clinched the Olympic gold in the women’s 5,000 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics after delivering a thrilling performance in a dramatic race that saw Faith Kipyegon initially disqualified but later reinstated to take silver.
The 24-year-old Chebet produced a spectacular finish, crossing the line in 14 minutes and 28.56 seconds, just ahead of her compatriot Kipyegon. The reigning world champion, Kipyegon, was briefly stripped of her silver medal for alleged obstruction during a clash with Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay. However, Kipyegon was eventually reinstated in second place after a successful appeal by the Kenyan team to World Athletics.
The race added to a successful day for Kenya as Mary Moraa also took bronze in the women’s 800m final, where Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma claimed silver behind Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson.
Chebet, the runner-up at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene and a bronze medalist in Budapest last year, was in fierce competition with Kipyegon throughout much of the 5,000m final.
Kipyegon moved to the front with four laps to go but then clashed with Tsegay, who took over the lead with just over two laps remaining. Despite the clash, Chebet maintained her composure and remained close behind Kipyegon, taking advantage of the final stretch to surge forward and secure the gold on the home straight.
Chebet beamed as she crossed the finish line, marking her country’s first gold medal of the Games at the Stade de France in the French capital. She celebrated her victory alongside Kipyegon, with the pair waving Kenyan flags amid wild cheers from the packed stadium.
There was a moment of confusion and controversy when Kipyegon’s name disappeared from the results list, initially marked as disqualified. However, a successful appeal led to her reinstatement, allowing her to join Chebet on the podium and celebrate Kenya’s triumph.
Kipyegon expressed relief and joy following the resolution, noting the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges. The successful appeal ensured that Kenya could fully celebrate its athletes’ achievements in what was a memorable day at the Paris Games.
bbc.com
