Ethiopia's Tsegay apologized, Kipyegon speaks on Paris Olympics Incident

Gold medallist Kenya's Faith Kipyegon reacts as she crosses the finish line in the women's 1500m final of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympics.[Photo, AFP]

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.

"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.