Ethiopia's Tsegay apologized, Kipyegon speaks on Paris Olympics Incident
Sports
By
Sharon Wanga
| Aug 15, 2024
Olympic gold medalist Faith Kipyegon says she experienced a mix of emotions following her disqualification and subsequent reinstatement in the 5,000-meter final at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The athlete’s silver medal in the 5,000 meters had initially been canceled due to claims that she obstructed Ethiopia’s Gudaf Tsegay.
"I didn't think I would be disqualified. I was not disappointed in getting the silver medal; I was disappointed about being disqualified without knowing what I did wrong. That 5,000m race took a lot out of me," Kipyegon said during an interview on Citizen TV.
Kipyegon, who says Tsegay has since apologized, explained how she regained her balance after nearly being pushed off the track.
READ MORE
iPhone 16 and 16 Pro Max: Is It Worth the Price?
School fire: Emergency doors were closed from outside, watchman was missing
Parents agony as whereabouts of children unknown after school fire tragedy
Father of slain Treasury official demands justice
Retire older civil servants early to create jobs for young people
Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital elevated to level 6 status
Contractor seeks orders to freeze Moi University's bank accounts
Man claiming to be Amario's son blocked from Sh760m estate
Z Boskovic Air honours its founders in 60-year celebration
Farmers excited as Kenya launches a first ever certified protective clothing in Africa
"Unfortunately, when I wanted to lead the race, the Ethiopian also started moving up. She came in strong, and I protested, telling her that she was pushing me inside and out of my tracks. She then started pushing me further inside, dramatically. At least I fought back and returned to my lane...it took a lot out of me. But I forgave, forgot, and allowed myself to move on,” Kipyegon said.
"After the next day's 1500m heats, Tsegay came and knelt before me, saying 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 tomorrow, and we need each other to compete," she added.
During the race, Kipyegon managed to come in second, with Beatrice Chebet winning gold and Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, bronze.
Team Kenya, present during the Olympics, successfully appealed for Kipyegon’s reinstatement. She said the appeal re-energized her for the next race.
Kipyegon then went on to win the 1500m, becoming the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic 1,500m titles.