Kenya’s Faith Kipyegon was at the center of Olympic drama on Monday after she was disqualified and stripped of her silver medal in the 5,000 meters for allegedly obstructing Ethiopian rival Gudaf Tsegay. Fortunately for her, this decision was later overturned following a successful appeal by Athletics Kenya officials. Faith’s fellow Kenyan, Beatrice Chebet, won the gold medal for that event with a time of 14:28.56, sprinting past Kipyegon in the final 50 meters. Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan, who finished third behind Kipyegon, was initially elevated to second following Kipyegon’s disqualification. Kipyegon was participating in media interviews when news of her disqualification came through. The decision left her distraught and she broke down in tears. Her reinstatement allowed her to retain the silver medal, with Hassan acknowledging that Kipyegon deserved the award. Next, Kipyegon will compete in the 1,500m qualifying round.
SOURCE: EAST AFRICAN
