Faith Kipyegon, Kenya’s golden girl and history-maker, has shed light on the dramatic events that unfolded at the Paris 2024 Olympics, revealing the emotional turmoil she endured after her disqualification and subsequent reinstatement in the women’s 5000-metre final.
The incident, which sparked widespread debate, saw Kipyegon’s silver medal stripped away before being restored following an intense appeal by Team Kenya.
The Olympic champion’s journey took an unexpected turn during the 5000m final, where a physical tussle with Ethiopian runner Gudaf Tsegay nearly cost her the race. Kipyegon described the incident as “emotionally draining, disappointing, and traumatic,” particularly because it led to her disqualification in a moment many observers deemed unjust.
"I wouldn’t say it was a disappointment but it was a bit traumatic…to be disqualified after winning silver, I asked myself why that was happening,” Kipyegon shared in a heartfelt interview on Citizen TV's JKLive Show.
The controversial disqualification occurred after Tsegay veered into Kipyegon’s lane, causing the two athletes to clash. Despite Kipyegon’s valiant efforts to regain her position, she initially faced the heartbreak of losing her hard-earned silver medal.
"In a race, you have to concentrate a lot; I thank Beatrice Chebet, and Margaret Chelimo for the teamwork we had. Unfortunately, when I wanted to lead the race, the Ethiopian also started moving up," Kipyegon explained.
However, the story took a twist when Team Kenya’s technical officials launched a passionate appeal, which ultimately led to Kipyegon’s reinstatement, albeit with a yellow card. Upon further investigation, it was determined that Tsegay had indeed been at fault, and Kipyegon’s silver medal was rightfully returned to her. Reflecting on the incident, Kipyegon said, “I really thank God I managed to come out of all the frustration in the 5000m and win gold.”
The tension between the two athletes did not end with the race. Kipyegon recounted how Tsegay later approached her, knelt, and asked for forgiveness, acknowledging her mistake. “After the following day’s 1500m hits, Tsegay came and knelt before me and told me she was very sorry, that it was not my fault but hers, ‘please forgive me’. I just forgave her knowing that it is sports and we will meet again another time and we need each other to compete,” Kipyegon revealed.
Despite the ordeal, Kipyegon maintained her focus and composure, channeling the emotional upheaval into a stellar performance in her signature 1500m race. She went on to set a new Olympic record, becoming the first woman in history to win three consecutive gold medals in the event. Her triumph was not just a victory on the track but a testament to her resilience and determination.
“I didn’t think I would be disqualified after finishing my race. Most people are saying that I was disappointed in getting a Silver medal, but I was not. I was disappointed by getting a disqualification for not knowing what I did,” Kipyegon noted, addressing the misconceptions surrounding her reaction to the silver medal. Her true disappointment, she clarified, stemmed from the disqualification, not the placement.
Kipyegon’s journey in Paris is a story of resilience, grace, and sportsmanship. Despite the challenges, she emerged as a role model for young athletes, not just in Kenya but around the world.
“It was quite a motivation to stand on that podium as the greatest 1500m runner of all time… knowing that I have inspired many young girls out there. It was a great inspiration to me,” she said, reflecting on her historic achievement.
Her performance contributed significantly to Kenya’s success at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where the nation clinched 11 medals, cementing its status as the top African nation at the games.
